The Effect of the Addition of Modified Bentonite as a Filler Against Mechanical Properties and Water Absorption in Unsaturated Polyester Composites

Oct 13, 2025 by thesweetdesigns.com 59 views

The Effect of the Addition of Modified Bentonite as a Filler Against Mechanical Properties and Water Absorption in Unsaturated Polyester Composites

Introduction

Unsaturated polyester composites are widely used in various industries due to their excellent mechanical properties, durability, and resistance to corrosion. However, their performance can be improved by incorporating fillers that enhance their mechanical properties and reduce water absorption. In this study, we explore the potential of modified bentonite as a filler in unsaturated polyester resin to improve its mechanical properties and reduce water absorption.

Background

Bentonite is a type of clay that has been widely used as a filler in various composite materials due to its high surface area, porosity, and ability to absorb water. However, its performance can be improved by modifying it with surfactants and other materials. In this study, we used cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant to modify bentonite and titanium dioxide (TiO2) to improve its mechanical properties.

Materials and Methods

The bentonite used in this study was modified with CTAB surfactant with various concentrations (0.05M, 0.1M, and 0.15M) and TiO2. Unsaturated polyester resin was then mixed with modified bentonite with a 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% composition of the composite weight, using the hand lay-up method.

Results

The results of FTIR's characterization showed that the bond between the matrix and the filler only forms an interface bond. The results of the mechanical property test showed that the 5% filler composition with a 0.1M surfactant concentration gave a maximum tensile force of 30.774 MPa and the maximum impact strength value of 9420.9 J/m2. The results of testing this mechanical properties are supported by an analysis of the scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that the addition of modified bentonite can improve the mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester composite. The optimal composition of the filler and surfactant concentration can provide better tensile strength and impact strength. The interface bond formed between the matrix and the filler helps transfer the load from the matrix to the filling, increasing the power of composite because the filler helps withstand deformation and prevent cracks. Modified bentonite has a higher stiffness compared to the resin matrix, and by adding bentonite, composite stiffness increases, thereby increasing the strength of the tensile and impact strength. Modified bentonite also helps distribute loads more evenly throughout the composite, thereby reducing voltage concentrations at certain points, which helps increase the strength of the impact and prevent cracks.

However, increased absorption of water in line with an increase in the composition of the filling is a weakness that needs to be considered. High water absorption can cause degradation of the mechanical properties of composite in the long run.

Conclusion

This study proves that the addition of modified bentonite can improve the mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester composite. The optimal composition of the filler and surfactant concentration can provide better tensile strength and strength. However, it should be considered that increasing the composition of the filler also increases water absorption. Further research is needed to optimize the composition and modification method of bentonite to produce composite with good mechanical properties and high resistance to water absorption.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Further research is needed to optimize the composition and modification method of bentonite to produce composite with good mechanical properties and high resistance to water absorption.
The use of modified bentonite as a filler in unsaturated polyester composite can be a viable option for improving its mechanical properties and reducing water absorption.
The optimal composition of the filler and surfactant concentration should be determined to achieve the best results.

Future Work

Future work should focus on optimizing the composition and modification method of bentonite to produce composite with good mechanical properties and high resistance to water absorption. This can be achieved by varying the concentration of surfactant and TiO2, and by using different types of fillers. Additionally, the effect of modified bentonite on the thermal properties of unsaturated polyester composite should be investigated.

Limitations

This study has several limitations. The use of a single type of surfactant and TiO2 may not be representative of all possible combinations. Additionally, the study only investigated the effect of modified bentonite on the mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester composite, and did not investigate its effect on other properties such as thermal properties.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study proves that the addition of modified bentonite can improve the mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester composite. The optimal composition of the filler and surfactant concentration can provide better tensile strength and strength. However, it should be considered that increasing the composition of the filler also increases water absorption. Further research is needed to optimize the composition and modification method of bentonite to produce composite with good mechanical properties and high resistance to water absorption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Effect of Modified Bentonite on Unsaturated Polyester Composites

Q: What is the purpose of adding modified bentonite to unsaturated polyester composites?

A: The purpose of adding modified bentonite to unsaturated polyester composites is to improve their mechanical properties and reduce water absorption. Modified bentonite can help to increase the stiffness and strength of the composite, while also reducing its water absorption.

Q: What is the optimal composition of modified bentonite for improving the mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester composites?

A: The optimal composition of modified bentonite for improving the mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester composites is a 5% filler composition with a 0.1M surfactant concentration.

Q: How does modified bentonite improve the mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester composites?

A: Modified bentonite improves the mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester composites by forming an interface bond between the matrix and the filler, which helps to transfer the load from the matrix to the filling. This increases the power of composite because the filler helps withstand deformation and prevent cracks. Modified bentonite also has a higher stiffness compared to the resin matrix, and by adding bentonite, composite stiffness increases, thereby increasing the strength of the tensile and impact strength.

Q: What are the limitations of using modified bentonite in unsaturated polyester composites?

A: The limitations of using modified bentonite in unsaturated polyester composites include increased water absorption with increasing filler composition. High water absorption can cause degradation of the mechanical properties of composite in the long run.

Q: Can modified bentonite be used to improve the thermal properties of unsaturated polyester composites?

A: Yes, modified bentonite can be used to improve the thermal properties of unsaturated polyester composites. However, further research is needed to investigate its effect on thermal properties.

Q: What are the potential applications of unsaturated polyester composites with modified bentonite?

A: The potential applications of unsaturated polyester composites with modified bentonite include automotive, aerospace, and construction industries, where high-strength and low-weight materials are required.

Q: How can the composition and modification method of bentonite be optimized to produce composite with good mechanical properties and high resistance to water absorption?

A: The composition and modification method of bentonite can be optimized by varying the concentration of surfactant and TiO2, and by using different types of fillers. Additionally, the effect of modified bentonite on the thermal properties of unsaturated polyester composite should be investigated.

Q: What are the future research directions for unsaturated polyester composites with modified bentonite?

A: The future research directions for unsaturated polyester composites with modified bentonite include optimizing the composition and modification method of bentonite to produce composite with good mechanical properties and high resistance to water absorption, and investigating its effect on thermal properties.

Q: Can unsaturated polyester composites with modified bentonite be used in marine applications?

A: Yes, unsaturated polyester composites with modified bentonite can be used in marine applications, where high-strength and low-weight materials are required. However, further research is needed to investigate its durability and resistance to seawater.

Q: How can the cost-effectiveness of unsaturated polyester composites with modified bentonite be improved?

A: The cost-effectiveness of unsaturated polyester composites with modified bentonite can be improved by optimizing the composition and modification method of bentonite, and by using cost-effective materials and manufacturing processes.

Q: What are the regulatory requirements for using unsaturated polyester composites with modified bentonite in various industries?

A: The regulatory requirements for using unsaturated polyester composites with modified bentonite in various industries include compliance with environmental and safety regulations, and obtaining necessary certifications and approvals.