ADDITION OF MINERAL AND NATURAL FILLERS IN POLYMER COMPOSITES: MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR IN TENSILE

Abstract

Technological development in engineering is linked to the generation of new materials. Therefore, expanding the range of materials available for various applications is highly relevant. Composites are emerging as a class of materials that enhance this concept. This study performed the mechanical characterization of polymer matrix composites with different particulate fillers. The materials selected for testing as reinforcement were industrial talc, wood residue, and aerosil. To obtain the mechanical properties of the composites, test specimens were fabricated from molds with standardized dimensions according to ASTM D638. To obtain the mass required for the fabrication of four samples, the silicone molds were completely filled, and the load volume was weighed. Due to the variation in material densities, different masses and mass fractions were measured. The matrix used was unsaturated terephthalic polyester resin, and the MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) V388 catalyst was also used to accelerate the curing process. Subsequently, tensile strength tests were carried out, obtaining average maximum stress values of 14.05 (±2.73) MPa, 11.76 (±1.70) MPa and 32.26 (± 4.37) MPa for the composites with talc, wood residue and aerosil fillers, respectively.

DOI: 10.56238/edimpacto2025.041-001