Characterization and Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Dolomite as Filler in Polyester

Abstract

This research work is to characterize dolomite found in southern Nigeria and evaluates the mechanical properties of Dolomite as filler in Polyester. The use of Dolomite as one of the major fillers in Polyester was harnessed. Polyester resin was used as the matrix while the dolomite sample serves as filler. The filler was used at different percentage compositions of weight/weight. A single particle size was chosen for all the percentage compositions. Instron Universal tester and Leco Micro Hardness Tester were used to determined mechanical properties of the composite product. The result of the mechanical test revealed increase effect of the dolomite at 20% and 30% on the Modulus and Hardness of the composite. This makes the dolomite-polyester composite material more suitable for industrial application especially for structural application where high hardness and modulus properties are required.Keywords: Composite, Dolomite, Mini X-ray Diffractometer, Polyester.