Abstract
The effects of aluminium dross filler on the wear behaviour and thermal stability of epoxy resin (ER) system were investigated. The microstructure of the samples was examined with aids of scanning electron microscope (SEM) to explain the basis for the observed changes in the epoxy resin due to the filler additions. A carbon steel die mould was used for casting the aluminium dross-epoxy resin composites. SEM, X-ray Diffractometer (XRD), Thermogravimetric Analyser (TGA) and spin on disc machine was used to characterise the microstructure, composition, thermal stability and wear behaviour under dry lubrication conditions of the developed composites. The study showed that additions of particulate aluminium dross significantly improved the thermal and wear resistance of the developed composite. The wear resistance increased as the speed and applied load increased. The improved thermal stability is attributable to the presence of new phase (refractory oxide and carbide). The aluminium dross-epoxy resin composite is an excellent material in an application requiring low, tensile strength, low wear resistance and moderate thermal resistance especially in the handle for domestic cooking pot; spoon; screw driver and protecting case for electric iron, television and radio.
Highlights
Industries have primarily had to face the problem of fully obtaining the performance benefits of composite materials at lowered production costs (Stickler, 2002; Miller, 2007)
Epoxy resins (EPs) which are considered to be one of the most important classes of thermosetting polymers is a good candidate to solving this challenge if it can be reinforced with low-cost filler
Inorganic fillers were added to the epoxy system to optimize its thermal stability, glass transition temperature, and dimensional stability (Tarrío-Saavedra et al, 2008; Kuan et al, 2010)
Summary
Industries have primarily had to face the problem of fully obtaining the performance benefits of composite materials at lowered production costs (Stickler, 2002; Miller, 2007). For poorly bonded micro-particles, strength reductions occur by adding the particles (Tjong & Zhu, 2000; Liang et al, 1997). They do not improve the fracture toughness of the epoxy system compared to rubber, inorganic particles have been found to be effective toughner for epoxy resins. They increase the elastic modulus and hardness much better than rubber particles. In this research epoxy resin was reinforced with aluminium dross (waste) to produce a novel epoxy resin composite at a low overall total cost
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