ABSTRACT:
Composite materials are increasingly vital in modern industrial applications due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, durability, and versatility. This study focuses on the mechanical performance enhancement of woven E-glass fiber (350 gm) composites by incorporating silica and graphite powders as fillers within a polyester isoresin matrix. To investigate the impact of filler content on mechanical behavior, five composite variants were fabricated containing 0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, and 16% by weight of silica and graphite powders. The polyester isoresin, catalyst, and accelerator were combined in a 1:2 weight ratio, and the composites were prepared using the hand lay-up method. Once cured, the samples underwent various mechanical tests, including tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness assessments, to evaluate the changes in material properties due to the filler additions. The experimental results demonstrated that increasing filler content significantly influenced the strength and toughness of the composite, enabling a better understanding of the optimal filler ratio for enhanced performance. These findings contribute to the development of stronger, more durable hybrid composites suitable for demanding structural and industrial applications.
Aim:
To investigate the effect of varying weight percentages of silica and graphite powders on the mechanical properties of woven E-glass fiber-reinforced polyester composites, and to develop a stronger and tougher composite material suitable for advanced industrial applications.
Objective:
The objective of this study is to develop and evaluate hybrid composite materials by fabricating specimens composed of woven E-glass fiber (350 gsm) reinforced with polyester isoresin and varying proportions of silica and graphite powders (0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, and 16% by weight). The fabrication process involves the use of the hand lay-up technique to ensure uniform distribution of the matrix and fillers. Once the composite samples are prepared, they undergo a series of mechanical tests—including tensile, flexural, impact strength, and hardness tests—to assess their structural performance. The collected data is then analyzed to determine the influence of filler content on the mechanical behavior of the composites. The aim is to identify the optimal percentage of silica and graphite fillers that yields maximum strength and durability. Finally, the results are presented graphically to aid in the comparative analysis and effective characterization of the newly developed composite material.
