Preparation of Unsaturated Polyester Nanocomposites and Studying Their Mechanical Properties Using some Inorganic Additives

Abstract

In this study three inorganic nano additives, namely; CaCO3, Al2O3 and SiO2 were used to prepare nanocomposites of unsaturated polyester in order to modify their mechanical properties, i.e. tensile strength, elongation, impact and hardness. The results indicated that all the three additives were effective to improve the mechanical properties up to 4% by weight. The effectiveness of them follows the order :CaCO3 > Al2O3 > SiO2This is due to their particle size in which CaCO3 (13nm), Al2O3 (20-30nm) and SiO2 (15-20nm).