Measurement of mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of glass powder reinforced epoxy composites and modelling

Organic- inorganic hybrid material has received much attention in recent time. Due to the smaller size and longer specific surface area, glass powder filled epoxy resin becomes important research target. Epoxies are widely used in commercial applications but comparatively more expensive than other polymer resins. This project is to develop a material having a combination of lower cost and improved mechanical properties, using epoxy resin as matrix and glass powder as filler. The composites were post-cured in a conventional oven as well as in microwaves. Main objectives of the project are To make specimens with different percentages by weight of glass powder starting from 0% to 35%, at 5% interval in epoxy resin. To post- cure the specimens in microwaves and in an oven with standard procedures. To conduct tensile and flexural tests, permittivity tests and DMA tests to measure mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of epoxy composites. To analyze the results and compare them with the results of other researchers and draw up a conclusion. To propose models for the mechanical properties of the composites. To recommend the best composition by weight of glass powder and epoxy resin on the basis of cost and physical properties for different industrial applications. The project concluded that microwave post-curing method is more effective than its counterpart. Samples having higher percentage of glass powder irrespective whether they are post-cured conventionally or in microwave exhibit similar results.