EFFECTS OF VARIATION OF PARTICLE SIZE AND WEIGHT FRACTION ON THE TENSILE STRENGTH AND MODULUS OF PERIWINKLE SHELL REINFORCED POLYESTER COMPOSITE

Abstract

The effects of variation of particle size and weight fraction on the tensile strength and Young’s modulus of periwinkle shell reinforced polyester composite have been investigated.  Particulate reinforced polyester composites incorporating varying amounts of periwinkle shell particles (10, 20, 30, 35, 40 and 45wt %) of different particle sizes were characterized for their tensile strength and modulus of elasticity.  The tensile strength and elastic modulus improved with decreasing particle size while they increased with increasing particle loading in the range of particle sizes tested. Increase in strength with small particle sizes and increased particle loading was attributed to increase in surface area which enhanced load transfer between the polyester matrix and periwinkle shell particles.