Yield and tensile strength of vinyl ester composites cured by microwaves

Abstract

In the previous investigation, it was found that the difference in Young’s modulus, ultimate tensile strength and yield strength between microwave cured vinyl ester particulate composites and those cured under ambient conditions is minimal provided low power microwaves are combined with short duration of exposure. The results also show that microwave cured composite samples will result in smaller shrinkage with the similar values of mechanical properties mentioned above than those samples cured under ambient conditions. The reduction in the shrinkage of the resins by microwaves will enable the manufacture of large vinyl ester composite items possible. This research with more data collected is to confirm the earlier results. The values of mechanical properties considered in the two studies are very near and reliable.