Using tensile tests as benchmark, investigate the best percentage by weight of slg, as fillers, in Phenolic resins post-cured by microwaves

摘要

[Abstract]: This project is based upon finding the best percentage by weight of slg fillers in phenolic resin, and finding the mechanical properties via tensile testing.udImportance is placed on reducing input costs in industry while meeting employer needs. For this reason strategies have been developed and tested within this report. Increasing the amount of slg fillers that are added into phenolic resins will ensure cost savings and a decrease in weight of the specimen without sacrificing the strength of the mechanical properties.ududCommercial Phenol Formaldehyde based resole thermosetting resin, was mixed with an acid catalyst at a 50:1 ratio along with a percentage of a ceramic based slg filler. Tensile testing was performed to the produced composites to determine yield and tensile strength. Young’s Modulus was also calculated to test the stiffness of the material. These tests were used to determine the optimum addition level of filler to the sample. Once composites were removed from the moulds post-curing was conducted in a microwave. Times recorded varied from 25-30 minutes, depending on the percentage of slg filler. Composite samples ranged from a percentage of filler added to the composite from 0% to 35%, in increments of 5%, hence eight samples in total were produced. To allow for an accurate comparison three more composites were produced at 5%, 15% and 25% and post-cured by conventional oven, this ensured primary results were be used. Conventional oven post-curing showed clear results at 5% that were three times that of post-curing by microwave at 5%, however there was a rapid drop in strength varying from 5% to 25% from post-curing by conventional oven. Post-curing by way of microwave produced more consistent results, however the standout percentage’s in strength were 10-20%. In addition to the findings, microscopic photos were taken to provide further information about the effects of the two post-curing methods. A cost analysis of the materials used in the study was calculated to demonstrate the benefits of filler addition to composites.