Enhance Unsaturated Polyester Resin's Mechanical and Thermal Properties by Adding Al2O3

Abstract

From using aluminum oxide as a reinforcing agent and unsaturated polyester resin as the base matrix, a composite material was created in this manuscript. The study's main objective was to assess important mechanical characteristics, such as impact resistance, compressive strength, and hardness. Samples with different Al₂O₃ weight fractions ranging from 2% to 10% were prepared in order to examine the impact of filler concentration, the findings showed that an Al₂O₃ content of 6% produced the best mechanical performance improvement, furthermore, by curing the composite samples at 10°C, 25°C, 80°C, and 150°C the impact of processing temperature was investigated. The composites showed significant improvements in hardness, compressive strength, and impact resistance at 25°C, along with a decrease in Young's modulus. The mechanical properties showed different trends at different temperatures (10°C, 80°C, and 150°C), with some showing an increase and others a decrease. In addition, it was found that, in comparison to room temperature, thermal conductivity rose with increasing and decreasing temperatures. These results imply that the mechanical and thermal behavior of Al₂O₃ reinforced unsaturated polyester composites is strongly influenced by both filler content and processing temperature.