Unsaturated polyester resin/aluminum tri-hydroxide added with short glass fiber for battery box

Abstract

Composite polymer samples of unsaturated polyester (UP) resin combined with aluminum tri-hydroxide (ATH) and short glass fiber (G) mixture to increase flame retardancy and mechanical strength has been experimentally studied. The UP with ATH and G has a lower burning rate and better thermal stability than the neat UP, based on the burning test, DSC, and TGA measurements. For the mechanical properties, the UP/ATH/G2 sample showed an optimal composition compared to other filler compositions with a tensile strength of 41.5 MPa. This composition also produces an optimal bending strength of 68.9 MPa, higher than the neat UP. These results were confirmed by SEM observations, in which G particles exfoliate in the UP. The broken G particles on the fracture surface observation prove the good interlock bonding between UP and G. This evidence suggests that G increases the mechanical strength, making the composite suitable for battery box application.