EFFECT OF ALUMINA PARTICLES ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF DISCONTINUOUS GLASS FIBER REINFORCED UNSATURATED POLYESTER COMPOSITES

Abstract

he polyester matrix composites reinforced with short glass fiber and reinforced with glass fiber and Al2O3 particles with different weight fractions (3, 5, and 7 wt% Al2O3) were prepared and then the mechanical testing (bending, impact, and hardness) were measured. The results showed the mechanical properties improve with increasing weight fraction. The impact energy of hybrid composite is better than compared with the composite reinforced with glass fiber alone at same weight fractions.