Properties Investigation of Polyester Resin Composite Materials and Products

Abstract

The use of composite materials in construction is a promising direction due to their potential to reduce costs and improve the operational characteristics of building structures. The results of this study will allow to determine the optimal formulations and manufacturing technologies of polymer composite materials for use in construction. In this paper, a detailed analysis of the composite material based on polyester resin (polymer sand concrete) used for the manufacture of hatch covers for manholes in water supply and sewage systems is carried out. The main components of the considered composition are quartz sand, unsaturated polyester resin, hardening accelerator - cobalt naphthenate solution and hardener - benzoyl peroxide. As part of the study, the improvement of the composite material’s properties is also considered by adjusting the technological modes of formation. Special attention was paid to the analysis of the hardness of the samples after the research, since this parameter determines the resistance of the material to wear. The effect of different ratios of these components on the physical and mechanical properties of the final material was studied. It was experimentally determined how the consumption of polyester and hardener affects the compressive strength, bending strength, impact toughness and hardness of the composite material. To obtain optimal characteristics, the STATISTICA 12 software package was used to specify the values of the factors that lead to maximum compressive and bending strength. The results of the research are presented in the conclusions in the form of quantitative indicators that indicate the optimal composition to achieve high physical and mechanical characteristics. The response surfaces of the variation factors’ influence on the properties of interest are shown. Keywords: composite material, polymer sand concrete, quartz sand, polyester resin, hardening accelerator - cobalt naphthenate solution and hardener - benzoyl peroxide