Preparation and Characterization of Aluminium Wire Mat Reinforced Polyester Composite

Abstract

Aluminum wire mat reinforced polyester composite has been studied as an alternative structural material. The physical and mechanical properties of the composite such as tensile strength, flexural strength, water absorption, hardness illustrated the competency of the developed composite. It was found that percent water absorption is very low for the resultant studied composite. However, water absorption increased very slowly when metal mat layers were increased. Furthermore, mechanical strength of the composite was increased as mechanical properties: tensile strength, flexural strength, hardness and stiffness of this composite increased with the increase in the number of metal mat layer in the composite. This study suggested the use of this composite as an unbeaten alternative structural material to conventional materials.