Mechanical Properties of TiO2 Reinforced Polystyrene- Modified Unsaturated Polyester

Abstract

The aim of current research is carrying out some modifications on the properties of resin material Unsaturated Polyester (UP) by adding thermoplastic material Polystyrene (PS) in different weight ratios included 4%, 8%, 12%,14%,16%,20% and 24% was used to prepare binary polymer blend.

The best ratio was selected in terms of the homogeneity case between the two polymers and according to compression strength for all prepared specimens. The ratio 92/8 wt.% of UP/PS blend was selected and reinforced with different particle volume fractions of 1%, 3%, 5% and 7% using of TiO₂ particles.

The composite materials with unsaturated polyester-polystyrene matrix properties were evaluated by conducting the mechanical tests which included compression, hardness and impact resistance. Results of compression test showed that the compression strength decreases as polystyrene percentage (PS) increases. While the TiO₂ an addition has helped in balancing the original compression strength reduction up to 3% vol. of TiO₂ and then the strength decreases. The results confirmed that the best enhancement is of 3% vol. of TiO₂ considering compression strength and impact.

The SEM results indicate that the polystyrene particles have good distribution through UP, this distribution of smaller particles is responsible for lower crack growth. The SEM results of composites specimen show the TiO₂ particles have good distribution through the matrix up to 3% vol., the mechanical properties beyond 3% vol. decreased due to the presence of particle agglomerations.

Keywords: Unsaturated polyester, Polystyrene, Mechanical properties, SEM.