Effect of Al2O3 Powder on Some Mechanical and Physical Properties for Unsaturated Polyester Resin Hybrid Composites Materials Reinforced by Carbon and Glass Fibers

Abstract

This research is a study of the effect of Al 2 O 3 powder on physical and mechanical properties of the polymer hybrid composites based on unsaturated polyester resin reinforced with carbon and glass fibers. The samples were made by a hand lay-up method according to ASTM standard for various volume fractions of additives. The polymer composites materials reinforced with carbon and glass fibers are the most used in manufacture of components such as pip, part of aerospace, and leisure industries and automotive. The polyester resin matrix was strengthened with 3% carbon and glass fibers with 1%, 3%, 5%, 7% Al 2 O 3 powders. The water absorption, hardness (shore D), impact test, and flexural strength properties are studied. The results show the specimens (UP+3% C.F+7% Al 2 O 3) and (UP+3% G.F+7% Al 2 O 3) had the maximum hardness (shore D) and water absorption when compared with unfilled polyester resin specimen , it can be observed that the specimens (UP+3% C.F+5%Al 2 O 3) and (UP+3% G.F+5%Al 2 O 3) have maximum impact strength and flexural strength compared with specimens (UP+3%C.F+7%Al 2 O 3) and (UP+3%G.F+7%Al 2 O 3). INTRODUCTION ybrid composites are to combine advantageous features of kind's reinforcement systems-improved performance as well as reduced cost and weight. Hybrid composites facilitate the design of material with specific property matched to an end use. It is critical to understand the mechanical properties of hybrid composites to optimize the design of new hybrid materials [1]. Generally Hybrid applies to advanced composites and refers to use of type combinations of fibers or filler in either thermoplastic or thermoset matrices [2]. Fiber reinforced materials become important for constructions of all types of applications such as Airplane engine covers, Fire resistant decorative boards, body fillers, work-surfaces, helicopter rotor blades and pump impeller blades [3]. Polyester resin is one of the most commonly used polymer matrix with reinforcing fibers for advanced composites application due to its low cost, easy handling , corrosion resistant, flexible rigid, weather resistant and flame retardant [4]. Falak O. Abas et. al. (2010) have studied the effect of silicon carbide (SiC) and alumina (Al 2 O 3) particles at various additional ratios as (0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) volume fraction on thermal and mechanical properties of carbon, glass, and kevlar fiber / polyester resin composites. From the result can be shown that silicon carbide, have better filler characteristics compared to those of alumina [5]. Ibtihal-Al-Namie. et. al. (2011) have investigated the properties of composites material epoxy resin reinforced with ceramic powder. The reinforcement powder materials are silica and alumina with size particle (53-63) µm, (106-150) µm respectively, with weight fraction of (20%, 30%, 40%) ranking. The result depicted flexural strength and hardness of composite materials are high than the matrix resin, also the flexural strength and hardness of composites