Zınc Borate-Containing GFRP Production and Examination of Mechanical and Chemical Properties

Abstract

In this study, the physical and chemical effects of zinc borate to glass fiber reinforced polymer and processing of the composite are examined. Glass fiber reinforced polyester is commonly used material in electric industry. The main reason for this, GFRP is an insulator and flame retardant material also it has high strenght and low density. Seperately polyester or glass fiber can not provide these proporties. So additive materials is needed. In this study zinc borate is used for that purpose. Hand lay-up and cold press methods are used for processing. Different ratios of zinc borate is added to samples. The mechanical and non-flammability effects were investigated by adding zinc borate at different rates to the materials. Tensile, 3-point bending and burning tests were applied to the produced materials. As a result of the tensile tests, the highest tensile stress with 130 MPa was observed in the 10% zinc borate added material. Again, the highest flexural strength of 250 MPa was observed in the 10% doped material.