Effect of glass microspheres and aluminium filler in the properties of epoxy and modified epoxy matrix composite for rapid tooling applications

摘要

Epoxy resin composites are generally applied in moulds manufactured with rapid tooling technologies. These technologies are used for wax and polymer materials injection. Well-designed and well built mould is key to achieving excellent and consistent moulded products. For production, mould with excellent temperature control and cooling efficiency are necessary to produce economical and quality product. Various compositions for tooling materials based on epoxy and silicone (Amine-containing poly dimethyl siloxane — ACS) modified epoxies were prepared. They were cured using aliphatic amines. Aluminium and glass spheres (Spheriglass) were used as fillers in these compositions. The mechanical and thermal behaviour of these particulate composites were determined. Flexural, tensile and compressive tests were done on these materials. Thermal fatigue tests were also done. The dispersion of aluminium and glass spheres in silicone modified and unmodified epoxy matrix was studied by using scanning electron microscopy.