The Impact of Mineral Fillers on the Mechanical and the Thermal Properties of Polyester

Abstract

Polyester resins has found a wide spread in many applications. Filler materials are used extensively with polyester resin for a variety of reasons like cost reduction, and more importantly to enhance some physical and/or mechanical properties. Through the present work several types of inorganic fillers (cement, silica fume, and sand) were incorporated into the polyester resin. Their effects on the mechanical and the thermal properties were investigated. Quantitative measurements and qualitative observations were made to recognize the different aspects related to their employment in attempt to find an appropriate means to enhance a prescribed property. Test results revealed that although a pronounced enhancement of the mechanical properties was achieved, but a specific filler type may not has the same effect on each mechanical property. Therefore, in real applications where only some of the properties are of concern, the proper filler type and content should be specified accordingly. Anyhow, employing a combination of filler types (mixed fillers) is an efficient way to utilize the benefits of each of the employed fillers.