Obtaining low density composites and their characterization from the Hand Lay Up lamination process with unsaturated polyester matrix reinforced by glass fiber

Abstract

This paper evaluates the application of hollow glass microspheres (HGM) in unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) as a path to obtain lightweight composite materials, using glass fiber as a structuring element. In this work, the composite materials samples were manufactured by incorporating HGM in the resin in different mass contents, and the same procedure was done to obtain calcium carbonate in polyester matrix composite samples, as CC is widely used in composites manufacturing processes due to its low cost. Different contents of these fillers were applied in the matrix in order to analyze its effects on physical and mechanical properties, as well as the mor-phology of the composites, which were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was measured the viscosity and density of the UPR/filler mixtures before catalysis and the tensile, flexural, impact strength and hardness of the composites. The results were compared to the unfilled UPR composite parameter and showed that the inclusion of HGM promoted a drastic reduction in the density before catalysis and of the composites materials. It also reduced the flexural strength, impact strength and the hardness of the materials, increased the viscosity and the tensile strength. On the other hand, CC increased the density, tensile strength, hardness and viscosity and reduced flexural strength and impact strength. This research concluded that the HGM are a good path to obtain lightweight composite materials.