Utilization of flyash as filler for unsaturated polyester resin

Abstract

Flyash is an inexpensive material that can reduce the overall cost of the composite if used as a filler for unsaturated polyester resin (PR). Flyash-filled unsaturated polyester resin (FPR) was cast into sheets. The tensile strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus were determined. Calcium carbonate-filled polyester resin (CPR) and PR were also cast into sheets. The above-mentioned properties were determined and a comparison was made. The filler concentration was varied from 0 to 15 wt %. It was found that FPR was inferior to CPR and PR composites with respect to tensile and flexural strengths. But FPR was found to have a higher flexural modulus than those of CPR and PR. FPR with 10% flyash was found to have poor acid and solvent (benzene) resistances and good saltwater, alkali, weathering, and freeze–thaw resistances as seen from the mechanical properties. The possible ways of improving the strength of FPR are discussed. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 69: 1385–1391, 1998