Mechanical properties stability of Jinan black granite particulate-filled polymer composite at different temperatures

Abstract

Particulate-filled polymer composite (PFPC) consists of Jinan black granite aggregate, fly ash (FA) and epoxy resin matrix. For its outstanding properties, PFPC captured enormous research interests in the structural engineering. Nevertheless, applications of PFPC in structural engineering are constrained due to its mechanical properties instability when it subjected to temperature variation. In this investigation, the effects of temperature on the mechanical properties and damage mechanism of PFPC were investigated systematically by a single factor test, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and element analysis. The mechanical properties of PFPC were measured after the PFPC was treated in different temperatures for 1 h. Compared with PFPC at 0 ℃, the compressive strength and flexural strength of the PFPC which the temperature is 80 ℃ decreased by 46.29 % and 52.12 %, respectively. The experimental result also showed that the failure mode of PFPC changed from aggregate fracture into interface failure with the increasing temperature. Accordingly, the aggregate was treated by sodium hydroxide to increase its surface roughness, and further to increase the interface bonding strength between aggregate and resin matrix. Furthermore, the effects of surface treatment of aggregate on the mechanical properties stability of PFPC exposed to the elevated temperatures was also explored. This research is of great significance to reveal the failure mechanism of PFPC at elevated temperature, enhance the mechanical properties stability of PFPC, or further broaden the applied range of PFPC.