Water Absorption Of Composites Research Articles

Lightweight, hydrostatic pressure‐resistance, thermal insulating epoxy syntactic foam with a multiscale ternary structure for marine engineering application

AbstractThe study of lightweight epoxy syntactic foams is of great significance for the exploitation of marine resources. In this work, glass fibers reinforced epoxy hollow spheres (GFs‐EHS) were first prepared using a template method, and a lightweight three‐phase epoxy syntactic foam (LWTP‐ESF) with a multiscale ternary structure was prepared using a molding pressing method with epoxy resin as matrix, hollow glass microspheres (HGMs), and GF‐EHS as the lightweight fillers. The effect of HGMs content on the density, uniaxial compression properties, water absorption, and thermal conductivity of obtained LWTP‐ESF was evaluated. The results indicated that the density, uniaxial compression strength, and thermal conductivity of LWTP‐ESF were consistently decreased, while the water absorption was increased with the increase in HGMs content. The highest specific compression strength and lowest thermal conductivity of LWTP‐ESF could reach 52.77 ± 0.82 MPa·cm3/g and 0.113 ± 0.005 W/(m·K), respectively. Moreover, the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the water absorption and thermal conductivity of LWTP‐ESF were also systematically analyzed. This study provides a novel system and method to prepare lightweight epoxy syntactic foams, and the prepared composites have potential applications in the field of lightweight thermal insulation materials for marine.Highlights The composites with a multiscale ternary structure were designed. The composites possessed significantly lower density and thermal conductivity. The water absorption of composites under hydrostatic pressure was evaluated. The thermal conductivity of composites under hydrostatic pressure was evaluated. The water absorption mechanism and thermal insulation mechanism were proposed.

Characterization of Polypropylene Composite Reinforced on Bio-waste from the Production of Tung Oil

The aim of the conducted study was to develop wood-polymer composites (WPCs) using secondary polymer waste and agricultural technology waste materials, which would have lower environmental impacts than WPCs made from virgin resources. The study focused on developing WPCs based on polypropylene filled with finely dispersed powders of waste products from tung oil production (PP+TOPW composites). Finely scattered powder (with an average grain size of 0.5–1.5 mm) was obtained from crushing and grinding the outer pericarp of tung fruit waste, which resulted from tung oil extraction. Tung oil is produced in Georgia from tung fruit that is grown in Tsalenjikha district, Georgia. In addition, to modify the properties of the WPCs, organic silicon oligomer tetraethoxysilane and powdered aluminum hydroxide were used as additives. The study found that the strength properties of the PP+TOPW composites can be optimized by modifying them with tung oil and other mineral additives. The optimal strength properties were observed at a filler content of 40 wt.%, where the compression and bending strength limits were 63.5 and 36.7 MPa, respectively. The water absorption of the PP+TOPW composites was reduced by modifying them with tung oil. The PP+TOPW composites with a filler content of 30 wt.% showed 0% water absorption, and the water absorption of composites with a filler content of 40 and 50 wt.% (modified with tung oil) was very low, ranging from 0.2–0.8%. The study also investigated the effect of modifying PP+TOPW composites with tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), which increased all the strength parameters, including impact strength, and reduced water absorption, although not as much as when modified with tung oil. The introduction of a flame retardant, aluminum hydroxide, into the composite composition in the amount of 25–30 wt.% made the composites flame-retardant and low-combustible materials, expanding their potential applications, particularly in construction. Overall, the study successfully developed WPCs using waste materials with optimized properties, which have potential for various applications, including in construction, due to their flame retardant and low-combustible properties.

Mechanical and water absorption properties of polymer composites reinforced with animal bone powder

This study investigates the mechanical properties of epoxy based composite material reinforced with natural filler of animal bone powder. The polymer composites were prepared using compression molding process. The plates of 6 mm thickness were prepared with varying amount of reinforcement from 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by weight at varying compression loads at constant cure time. The mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural and impact strength, water absorption of composites were evaluated as per ASTM standards. The microstructural evaluations of samples were done using scanning electron microscope. It was found that the mechanical properties of epoxy composite materials reinforced with animal bone powder were significantly improved. The polymer composite of 15 wt.% bone powder reinforcement exhibited higher strength but possesses lower ductility. The scanning electron microscope analysis showed that particles were distributed uniformly in the matrix material.

Effect of banana peduncle fiber on the mechanical, water, and degradation properties of hybrid composites made from modified soy resin

AbstractThe use of banana pseudo stems is currently acknowledged as a sustainable raw material that piqued researchers' interest because of their high cellulose content, and good to moderate tensile strength. In order to develop various batches of biodegradable composite, peduncle fibers from waste banana peduncles were isolated and then reinforced after mild alkali treatment with biodegradable soy resin, phenol‐formaldehyde (resole), and soy‐resole resins via thermoforming (compressing) method. Peduncle fiber reinforced soy‐resole composite exhibited maximum tensile strength of 43.5 MPa and flexural strength of 36.2 MPa as a result of strong interaction/bonding between functional groups of the two biomaterials used here. All composites were put through a water sorption test, which showed that they are fairly hydrophobic by nature since after 24 h, they absorbed 10.2%–28.2% of water. These composites proved to be both eco‐friendly and biodegradable, since they broke down easily in the soil after 60 days and all of the composites lost about 70% of their original weight. These composites are anticipated to be used as an alternative to environment threatening plastic in indoor furniture, packaging, and computer cabinets.Highlights Banana peduncle fiber was extracted from waste peduncle and used as reinforcer. The tensile strength of the composite was achieved as 43.5 MPa. The water absorption of composite was found 10.2% only after 24 h. After 60 days under soil burial, composite lost 70.8% of its original weight. Developed composites can be good alternant for non‐biodegradable thermoplastic.

Study on water absorption of hydrophobically modified ramie fiber and the reinforced polypropylene composites

AbstractTo study the effects of fiber surface hydrophobicity on water absorption of composites, ramie fiber was hydrophobically modified with polydopamine/octadecylamine and then used to reinforce polypropylene. The fiber modification was characterized by infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy spectrometry, contact angle, and water absorption. The mechanical properties and water absorption of the composites were also characterized. The results indicated that polydopamine/octadecylamine was successfully grafted onto the fiber surface. With the increase of octadecylamine concentration, the fiber surface became more and more hydrophobic, and its contact angle achieved a maximum of 118 ± 2.97° when octadecylamine concentration was 8 g/L. However, the modified fiber remained a high level of saturated water absorption of 6.53% ± 0.09%. For composites, when the octadecylamine concentration was 0.5 g/L, its water absorption showed the lowest value of 1.81% ± 0.09%. With more octadecylamine was grafted onto the fiber, the water absorption did not decrease continuously but showed a small growth peak. It is concluded that water absorption of composites is greatly affected by water absorption of fiber. The surface hydrophobic modification on fiber is beneficial to improve its surface hydrophobicity and inhibit the interfacial water absorption between fiber and matrix. However, it fails to the improve internal hydrophobicity of the fiber, nor does it inhibit the fiber in composites from absorbing water.

Mechanical, Thermal Conductivity and Water Absorption of Hybrid Nano-Silica Coir Fiber Mat Reinforced Epoxy Resin Composites

The goal of this research is to show that epoxy resin (ER) / coir fiber mats (CFM) hybrid composite laminates with nano-silica particle (NP) reinforcement improve mechanical characteristics and water absorption. Lately, it has been employed in automotive, aerospace, and structural industries where coir fiber-reinforced polymers are safe for ecologically friendly composite applications. The Compression - Hand layup technique is used to make the epoxy composites reinforced with natural coir fibres and nano-silica particles in various weight fractions (5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% by weight). Mechanical parameters such as tensile, flexural, compressive, impact strength, thermal conductivity and also water absorption of composites are evaluated in this study. Scanning electron microscopy is also used to analyze the surface morphology of cracked surfaces (SEM). Hybrid nanosilica-coir fiber mat reinforced epoxy resin has decreased water absorption (percent) suggesting better mechanical qualities. Furthermore, the hybrid epoxy-containing 20% nano-silica coir mat improves all the said mechanical properties.

Analisis Komposit Serat Daun Pandan Alas Dan Serbuk Kayu Jati Dengan Resin Polyester Terhadap Kekuatan Tarik Dan Daya Serap Air

Abstract— Pandanus fiber and teak sawdust were waste products that were abundant in availability, but have not been used optimally. Base pandanus fiber and teak sawdust were used as alternative reinforcement for composite materials. The purpose of this study was to test the tensile strength and water absorption of composites reinforced with base pandan fiber and teak sawdust with polyester resin as a matrix. This composite was made by hand lay up technique with variations in the volume fraction of coconut fiber fibers of 10%, 20%, 30%, 30%, 20%, 10% teak sawdust, 60% polyester resin with random fiber orientation, 30 mm fiber length. Composite specimens were cut according to ASTM D 638-01 standards for tensile testing and ASTM D 570 for water absorption tests. The results of this study were tensile strength, strain, modulus of elasticity with optimum strength respectively 30.28 MPa (volume fraction 30%; 10%; 60%), 1.508 mm / mm (volume fraction 10%; 30%; 60%) , 447.46 Mpa (volume fraction 10%; 30%; 60%). Water absorption was 2.07% (volume fraction 10%; 30; 60%).
 

HAY-PLASTIC COMPOSITES – EFFECT OF HAY PARTICLE SIZE ON THE WATER ABSORPTION

The main aim of this paper is to present the research findings which come out from the experimental determination of the influence of input raw material properties and composition on the water absorption of hay-plastic composites (HPC). During the HPCs production, important raw material parameters such as hay sawdust particle size, hay/plastic concentration ratio or type of plastic matrix can be recognized. In this research study, the aim was to produce HPCs of an acceptable and competitive level of quality which is determined from the final mechanical properties of HPCs. Particle size of hay sawdust used for production of HPC has significant influence on mechanical properties of composites and also on other important properties (water absorption, hardness, frost resistance, etc.). The paper deals with the determination of the impact and the relationship between the input hay sawdust particles sizes, hay/plastic concentration ratio and water absorption of composites. By side intention of authors is to determine the possibilities of waste raw materials usage. The experimental research findings were obtained using a semi-operational injection molding press where the injection is provided by a working screw. As the input raw material, meadow hay, HDPE plastic matrix and recycled HDPE, represented by lids from PET bottles, was used. The effect of the input hay sawdust particle size on water absorption was determined according to a combination and default levels of hay/HDPE concentration ratio, using recycled HDPE instead of virgin HDPE and particle size of hay sawdust.

Effect of hydric aging on the static and vibration behavior of 3D printed bio-based flax fiber reinforced poly-lactic acid composites

Moisture accumulation and life span in a hydric setting are major concerns for natural fibers used for the reinforcement of bio-based composites. This article discusses the effect of water aging on the mechanical properties of poly-lactic acid composites reinforced with flax fibers produced by 3D printing. Water absorption of composites is measured and it was observed that the bio-based composite seems to be Fick’s model with a percentage of absorption at saturation equal to 1.2%. To determine the effect of water absorption on static and vibration mechanical properties, various immersion periods are chosen. Water aging obviously influences the stiffness and tensile failure; so, a decline in the Young’s modulus from 2.2 to 1.7 GPa and in strength from 36 to 30.5 MPa is seen. Nevertheless, the damping factor shows an increase by about 16% as a function of the immersion period. These results could be explained by the plasticizing effect of water on bio-based composites, stimulated by moisture absorption.

Effect of Water Absorption Behaviour on Tensile Properties of Hybrid Jute-Roselle Woven Fibre Reinforced Polyester Composites

Incorporating natural fibre as reinforcement in the polymer matrix has shown a negative effect since the natural fibre is hydrophilic. The natural fibre easily absorbs water which causes an effect on the mechanical properties of the composites. The objective of this paper is to investigate the water absorption behaviour of hybrid jute-roselle woven fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composite and the effect of water absorption in terms of tensile strength and tensile modulus. The effect of hybrid composite on the thickness swelling will be tested. The fabrication method used in this study is the hand lay-up technique to fabricate 2-layer and 3-layer composites with layering sequences of woven jute (J)/roselle (Ro) fibre. The results of the study showed that pure roselle fibres for 2 and 3-layer composites have the highest water absorption behaviour 3.86% and 5.51%, respectively, in 28 days) as well as thickness swelling effect, whereas hybrid J-Ro and J-J-Ro composites showed the least water absorption (2.65% and 3.76%, respectively) in 28 days) in both the tests. The hybridisation between jute and roselle fibres reduced water absorption behaviour and improved the fibres dimensional stability. The entire composites showed a decreasing trend for both tensile strength and tensile modulus strength after five weeks of water immersion. Jute fibre composite hybridised with roselle fibre can be used to reduce the total reduction of both tensile strength and tensile modulus throughout the whole immersion period. Moreover, the tensile testing showed that jute fibre composite hybridised with roselle fibre have produced the strongest composite with the highest tensile and modulus strength compared to other types of composites. The hybridisation of diverse fibre reinforcements aids in minimising the composite water absorption and thickness swelling, hence reducing the effect of tensile characteristics.

Simplified hygromechanical coupling model and numerical simulation analysis of fibre reinforced composite deep-sea and underwater structures

The water absorption of composites will affect the safety and performance of the structure, resulting in the inability to give full play to its excellent lightweight and high-strength characteristics. This key issue is currently being experienced by composite deep-sea and underwater structures. The water absorption of composites is a complex problem involving the coupling of multiple scales. At present, the expressions of some water absorption theories are generally more complicated, which makes it impossible to apply the theories directly to the design and verification of deep-sea and underwater structures. This research assumes the uniformity of fibre distribution, with cylindrical-cube unit cells as the research object. A simplified hygromechanical coupling model of composites was proposed. Furthermore, by adding subroutines and considering the uneven distribution of the diffusion coefficients of each layer, the finite element method was used to simulate the whole process of water absorption of the composite laminate. Finally, it is compared with the experimental results to verify the effectiveness of the simplified model. Based on this comparison, the water absorption distribution, diffusion coefficient and interlayer stress variation law of composites in different time periods are obtained.

The Properties of Lightweight Aggregates Pre-Coated with Cement Pastes and Their Suitability for Concrete.

One of the biggest technological problems connected with the production of lightweight concretes made of porous aggregates is their much higher water absorption, which may cause on the one hand workability loss, and on the other hand excess water content in concrete. The aim of this research was to assess the effect of impregnation of lightweight aggregates (LWAs) with cement paste on their properties and to verify its effectiveness in concretes. Three types of lightweight aggregates differing in porosity and pore structure (sintered fly ash Lytag, expanded clay: Leca and Liapor) were selected for the tests. The following parameters were taken into consideration in the research program: LWA type and size, LWA initial moisture content, strength, and rheology of cement pastes. The tests of 22 different aggregates, plain and coated with cement paste, included density, crushing strength, and development of water absorption in time. The research program proved that porous aggregates, due to their impregnation with cement pastes, may be effectively sealed and strengthened. All tested LWAs showed a considerable decrease in water absorption by up to 71%. However, only Lytag aggregate showed a visibly enhanced crushing strength. Verification of effectiveness of aggregate sealing on the enhancement of concrete properties showed both a considerable reduction in water absorption of composites (by up to 52%) and a very high increase in their strength (by up to 107%).

Influence of coconut shell powder on physico‐mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of polyvinyl chloride recovered from waste rigid pipes

AbstractThis research work focuses experimentally study on the utilization of coconut shell powder (CSP) as a strengthening filler in recycled polyvinyl chloride (r‐PVC) retrieve from waste PVC pipes to high mechanical strength composites. Herewith, to improve the interaction within the organic based natural filler and un‐plasticized r‐PVC, the epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) was used as a processing aid. The melt mixing of r‐PVC using CSP as well as ESO was carried out by a two‐roll milling process and further sheets manufacturing process followed by compression molding. The effect of CSP filler content on the physico‐mechanical properties, thermal properties, and morphology of r‐PVC/CPS composites was investigated. The result shows that the incorporation of CSP filler within polymer indicated, the change in physical with enhancement in mechanical properties such as tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, impact strength, and surface hardness properties. Meanwhile, the density and water absorption of composites has been increased as the filler content in the r‐PVC matrix increases. The morphology study of composites indicates poor interfacial interaction as an increase in CSP content in the composites. The marginal improvement in thermal stability of prepared composite also increased with 20 wt% of CSP content and analyzed by performing differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry analysis. This study, therefore, shows the potential of CSP filler in r‐PVC as an alternative particulate material for the development of a new polymer matrix composite.

Composite of amorphous silica encapsulated urea as a slow-release fertilizer

Composite of amorphous silica encapsulated urea as a slow-release fertilizer has been performed. Amorphous silica was obtained from dealumination of natural clay by the reflux method using HCl 6M. Encapsulation composite was prepared with amorphous silica mass variations of 0.50; 0.75; 1,00; 1.50; and 2.00 g. The preparation of encapsulation composite aimed to study the effect of amorphous silica mass on compressive strength and water absorption of composite. The XRD data showed that the dealumination process was successfully prepared by the formation of an amorphous diffraction pattern. The dealumination process was also supported by EDX data that indicated a decrease in the percentage of Al atomic weight from 11.29 to 0.36%. The optimum compressive strength and water absorption results were obtained at amorphous silica mass of 0.75 g with values of 5.40 MPa and 42.60%, respectively. The kinetics model followed the pseudo-second order for urea as a control and Korsmeyer-Peppas for composite of amorphous silica encapsulated urea with rate values of 0.847 mg−1 hour−n and 0.012 mg−1 hour−1, respectively.

Effect of wood particle size on the water absorption of wood-plastic composites

The main aim of this paper is to present the research findings which come out from the experimental determination of the influence of input raw material properties and composition on the water absorption of wood-plastic composites. During the WPCs production, important raw material parameters such as wood sawdust particle size, wood/plastic concentration ratio or type of plastic matrix can be recognized. In this research study, the aim was to produce WPCs of an acceptable and competitive level of quality which is determined from the final mechanical properties of WPCs. Particle size of wood sawdust used for production of WPC has significant influence on mechanical properties of composites and also on other important properties (water absorption, hardness, frost resistance, etc.). Using a variety combination of influencing variables the final quality of composites and also the operating parameters of the injection molding press can be improved. Their effect can be seen from the quality indicators and from the operating parameters of the injection press which has a direct impact on the production costs. The paper deals with the determination of the impact and the relationship between the input wood sawdust particles sizes, wood/plastic concentration ratio and water absorption of composites. By side intention of authors is to determine the possibilities of waste raw materials usage. The experimental research findings were obtained using a semi-operational injection molding press where the injection is provided by a working screw. As the input raw material, spruce sawdust, HDPE plastic matrix and recycled HDPE, represented by lids from PET bottles, was used. The effect of the input wood sawdust particle size on water absorption was determined according to a combination and default levels of wood/HDPE concentration ratio, using recycled HDPE instead of virgin HDPE and particle size of wood sawdust.

Superior dispersion led excellent performance of wood-plastic composites via solid-state shear milling process

Wood-plastic composites as a kind of lightweight and green biomaterials are attracting great interest from academia and industry. However, challenges for effective wood flour (WF) dispersion in wood-plastic composites have hindered the desired property enhancements and limits their wider applications. This study reported an effective method to produce linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE)/WF composite with superior WF dispersion via solid-state shear milling (S3M) for the first time. Such well-dispersed WF results in a significant enhancement in processability and shows a decrease of viscosity from 8021 Pa s to 3893 Pa s, which is closer to that of neat LLDPE (2286 Pa s) at shear rates of 100−1. The S3M processed composites also show a 26.5% increase and maximum tensile strength reached 31.1 MPa. In addition to the excellent mechanical performance, the water absorption of composites was as low as 0.22% after 840 h immersion, which is lower than most reported data. Moreover, the S3M processed composites exhibit a significant increase in LLDPE crystallinity and a dramatic 66 °C increase in maximum weight loss rate temperature in air. This work was conducted without any surface modification or use of compatibilizer, this new method will have potential applications in producing excellent performance wood-plastic composites in the industrial process.

Determination of Some Technological Properties of Injection Molded Pulverized-HDPE Based Composites Reinforced with Micronized Waste Tire Powder and Red Pine Wood Wastes

In this study, the effects of micronized waste tire powder (WTP) and red pine wood waste flours (RPF) concentrations on the properties of pulverized-high density polyethylene (P-HDPE) composites were investigated. Ingredients were first mixed in a high-intensity mixer, later passed through single screw extruder to produce extrudates and finally pelletized and dried before sample manufacturing using injection molding machine. Contrary to the fact that lignocellulosic materials increase the brittleness of composites, the presence of WTP improved hardness and impact properties of lignocellulosic-based composite by making them softer. Both WTP and RPF concentrations have significantly increased density, thickness swelling (TSW) and water absorption of composites. Rising percentage of RPF improved the flexural strength, flexural modulus, tensile strength and tensile modulus values of composites. Addition of WTP, on the other hand, reduced these values. Although the presence of WTP has slightly increased the elongations at break (EatB) values in neat-HDPE, it decreased the EatB values of the composites having RPF in it. Thermal degradation started at 275 °C and 360 °C for RPF and WTP, respectively. With the loading of both fillers in the p-HDPE matrix, melting temperature of composites and crystallinity ratio of the polymer was slightly changed. SEM images showed improved dispersion of RPF due to MAPE usage. Through this study, some technological properties of injection molded P-HDPE based composites reinforced with WTP and RPF were determined and potential utilization of WTP in lignocellulosic-based composites was demonstrated.

Studies on the effects of different multiwalled carbon nanotube functionalization techniques on the properties of bio-based hybrid non-isocyanate polyurethane.

A novel synthesis method for multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) modified bio-based hybrid non-isocyanate polyurethane (HNIPU) is proposed in this paper. Modification methods for several properties of MWCNTs–HNIPU were systematically studied. MWCNTs were grafted with carboxyl and amino groups using a condensation reflux device. Au nanoparticles were synthesized on the surface of the MWCNTs via a reduction reaction and Fe3O4 particles were decorated on the MWCNTs using a hydrothermal method. FTIR, TEM, XRD, XPS and Raman techniques were employed to confirm the compositions and structures. Then, five different types of MWCNT were utilized for blending with non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) via solution methods. After curing with epoxy resin E-51, the cross-linked composites were applied as coatings. A series of tests demonstrated that HNIPU composited with MWCNTs–COOH–Au had the highest Tg value, the best thermal, thermodynamic and mechanical properties, and excellent pencil hardness, adhesion, flexibility and impact strength, while HNIPU composited with MWCNTs–COOH–NH2 had the best water absorption and swelling properties. These results showed that the properties of hybrid non-isocyanate polyurethane can be adjusted via different MWCNT surface modification approaches or the addition of nanoparticles, so this kind of polyurethane has a vast development space for coating applications.

Effects of concentration and surface silanization of barite on the mechanical and physical properties of poly(lactic acid)/barite composites

Neat and surface silanized barite (BR) was compounded with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) at the loading range of 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt% by melt blending process. Surface characteristics of BR samples were examined by infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance mode. Mechanical, thermal, water resistance, melt flow, and morphological characterizations of composites were performed by tensile and impact tests, dynamic mechanical analysis, water absorption test, melt flow rate (MFR) test, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, respectively. BR additions lead to increase in tensile strength and modulus of PLA. The maximum improvement is obtained for 15 wt% of silanized BR containing composite. In contrast, percent elongation of PLA decreases with the incorporation of BR. Treated BR-loaded composites give higher impact energy values compared to untreated BR. Impact performance of composites increases with concentration. Silanized BR-filled composite at 5 wt% concentration exhibits higher storage modulus than unfilled PLA, where other composites yield relatively lower values in the case of storage modulus. Glass transition temperature of PLA extends to higher values by the addition of BR. Inclusions of BR samples cause a slight decrease in MFR of unfilled PLA. Water absorption of composites is found to be higher than that of PLA. Silanized BR-filled composites display lower water absorption values compared to untreated BR, thanks to hydrophobic nature of Si containing surface. According to SEM microimages of composites, more homogeneous dispersion in PLA matrix is achieved for treated BR particles than neat ones due to enhancement for interfacial adhesion of BR to PLA after silanization.

Properties of Unsaturated Polyester Composite Filled Activated Zeolite: The Effect of Filler Addition and Compression

The mechanical and physical properties of polyester composites filled with activated zeolites as fillers were investigated. Zeolite is an alumina silicate mineral that has cavity structures. The ability of the cavity structure can be maximized by activation using hydrochloric acid (HCl) 2 M. To achieve this goal, the zeolite was activated and proved it by performing morphological analysis using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to see the surface structure. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the activated zeolites content and hot press compression on the tensile and water absorption properties of polyester composites. The best tensile properties were found in ratio of unsaturated polyester with zeolite 70:30 (w:w) at a pressure of 125 Psi with a tensile strength of 38.51 MPa. SEM characterization showed a more rough breaking surface, that is in the ratio of polyester with zeolite 60:40 (w:w) at 75 Psi pressure because of the lack wetting between the matrix and activated zeolite. The water absorption of composite has increased as the addition of activated zeolite.