DETERMINATION OF THE DENSITY AND COMPRESSION STRENGTH OPTIMIZATION OF WITHOUT FILLING MATERIAL COMPOSITES

Abstract

Composites materials can be prepared with different content for many applications. Although firms give some recommendation values for mix ratio, different applications during manufacturing process and environmental conditions effects on mechanical properties of end product. Some pre- test must be done before end product when the type, content, and product method of end product determined. The diameter and height of the compression test specimens used in this study are 50 mm and 100 mm, respectively. After a detailed plan included recommendation values of firms, the without filling material composite samples were prepared in current environmental conditions. The polyester resin which is the components of material is taken two different firm products as PA and PB. The hardener and catalyzer are applied for two groups as the same products in different amounts. The compression tests of prepared samples were performed after 7 days. It is observed from the experiment that the PB polyester resin has higher compression strength and lower density value when compared to PA polyester resin. The structural damages were observed in the samples in which less and much more hardener and catalyzer ratios than firm recommendation values. The determined value of upper limit as % 3 of hardener cause to certain cracks in the samples during hardening process. On the other hand, the lower limit as % 0,5 of hardener cause to hardening problems in the samples. It can be said that, performing a pre- study for hardener and catalyzer should be useful in spite of recommendation values of firm. It is obtained that the resin type effects the compression strength and density value.