The structural features of glass fibre reinforced polyester matrix composites

Abstract

Production of a better material is made more likely by combining two or more materials with complementary properties. The best combination of strength and ductility may be accomplished in solids that consist of fibres embedded in a host material. Polyester is a suitable component for composite materials, as it adheres so readily to the particles, sheets, or fibres of the other components. The best known form of resin impregnated glass fibres is GRP (Glass Reinforced Polyester). The fibres may be woven together, pressed into a mat, or used as a random "wool". In this study, the structural properties of glass fibre reinforced polyester matrix composites were studied. Glass fibre content varied from 9 to 33% wt. in the composites; the other materials (polystyrene, zinc stereate, alkaline peroxide, magnesium oxide, pigment paste, calcite, etc.) were included to make up the percentages of polyester matrix. To investigate the structural properties, Charpy impact, tensile, bending and hardness tests were utilised. For microstructural study, optical and scanning electron microscope techniques were used. The results are tabulated depending upon the glass fibre rates.