Effect of nano-clay and their dispersion techniques on compressive properties of unsaturated polyester resin

Abstract

This paper aims to understand the relationship between processing parameters and compressive properties of nanoclay filled polyester resin (dispersion method and wt% of nanoclay particles). Unsaturated polyester resin with 0-5 wt% nanoclay content was prepared by hand mixing and through shears mixing of water bath shaker. Static uniaxial compression tests were conducted to investigate how the unsaturated polyester resins with nanoclay contents and processing will effect on the compressive stress-strain behaviour and compression properties. The experimental results show that the compressive strength and elastic modulus of nanomodified resin are significantly affected by type of mixing methods to prepare the specimens and the ratio of nanoparticles content during mixing. It was found out that the compressive strength and compressive modulus increase with the nanoclay content. The findings also indicate the dispersion of nanoclay by hand-mixed method yield higher compressive strength compared to that dispersed by water shaker bath.