Thermal properties of sawdust reinforced vinyl ester composites post-cured in microwaves: a pilot study

Ku, H. and Prajapati, M. and Cardona, F. (2011) Thermal properties of sawdust reinforced vinyl ester composites post-cured in microwaves: a pilot study. Composites Part B: Engineering, 42 (4). pp. 898-906. ISSN 1359-8368

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Abstract

The mechanical properties of sawdust reinforced vinyl ester resin composites post-cured in microwaves have been measured and evaluated in earlier studies. This basic but critical and important data have caused interests in the relevant industry in Australia. This study is therefore carried out to measure and evaluate the thermal properties of the composites with a view to benefit the civil and construction industry as the materials are used in the industry. The original contributions of this paper are that samples post-cured in microwaves, irrespective of the percentage by weight and particle size of sawdust, have higher glass transition temperatures than their counterparts post-cured in an oven; these imply that the stiffness of the samples post-cured in microwaves are higher than their peers. From previous study, it was discovered that the fracture toughness increased with increasing particulate loading. These properties are vital in civil engineering applications because civil structures need composites with high rigidity and fracture toughness. It is hoped that the discussions and results in this work would not only contribute towards the development of sawdust reinforced vinyl ester composites with better material properties, but also useful for the investigations of thermal and mechanical properties in other composites.

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Item Type:	Article (Commonwealth Reporting Category C)
Refereed:	Yes
Item Status:	Live Archive
Additional Information:	Accepted version deposited in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.
Depositing User:	Dr Harry Ku
Faculty / Department / School:	Historic - Faculty of Engineering and Surveying - No Department
Date Deposited:	15 Apr 2011 02:34
Last Modified:	24 Aug 2014 23:26
Uncontrolled Keywords:	polymer-matrix composites (PMCs); thermosetting resin; thermal properties; thermal analysis
Fields of Research :	09 Engineering > 0905 Civil Engineering > 090503 Construction Materials 09 Engineering > 0912 Materials Engineering > 091202 Composite and Hybrid Materials 09 Engineering > 0913 Mechanical Engineering > 091307 Numerical Modelling and Mechanical Characterisation
Socio-Economic Objective:	B Economic Development > 86 Manufacturing > 8699 Other Manufacturing > 869999 Manufacturing not elsewhere classified
Identification Number or DOI:	doi: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2011.01.008
URI:	http://eprints.usq.edu.au/id/eprint/18882

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