Effect of expanded glass particle size on compressive properties of vinyl ester syntactic foams

Abstract

The most common fillers for syntactic foam development are glass microballoons or fly ash cenospheres. However, the need for improved properties and reduced cost requires exploring other possibilities. In this work, syntactic foams of vinyl ester resin reinforced with expanded glass particles (EG) were fabricated and compressive properties of the composites were studied. The foam EGS was reinforced with smaller particles of size 0.04–0.125 mm in 15, 30, and 45 vol.% and EGL had larger particles of size 0.25–0.5 mm in 15 and 30 vol.%. Compression testing reveals that 45 vol.% smaller particles enhance the modulus of the EGS foam by up to 48% with a 3.4% reduction in yield strength compared to neat resin. Strain rate sensitivity was observed in both the modulus and yield strength values for all composites. Composite EGS with 15 and 30 vol.% filler showed better strength and modulus than the neat resin at 0.01 s−1 strain rate, which is an overall improvement in the material. When compared with the literature data, the foams made in the present work have the highest compressive strength and modulus for the same density.

The use of recycled high‐density polyethylene waste to manufacture eco‐friendly plastic sand bricks

“…From the calculated theoretical and experimental densities, it is observed that the experimental density is lower than the theoretical density values. This could be attributed to the presence of voids in the composite material during the preparation process of the samples 64 . Void volumes were also calculated and recorded in Table 5 for the six ratios of the composite material.…”

“…This could be attributed to the presence of voids in the composite material during the preparation process of the samples. 64 Void volumes were also calculated and recorded in Table 5 for the six ratios of the composite material. A higher void volume was observed with an increase in the sand content.…”

Mapping the progress in natural fiber reinforced composites: Preparation, mechanical properties, and applications

“…Thermoset matrices outperform thermoplastic matrices in terms of chemical stability, yield strength, durability against thermal fluctuation, and creep resistance. [121,184,185] Typically, the thermoset matrix cures at a lower temperature than that needed to produce thermoplastics. Mostly used thermoset polymer matrices are polyester, urea formaldehyde, epoxy, phenolic, vinyl ester, and polyamide.…”

Influence of moisture absorption on the compressive behavior of halloysite nanotube reinforced buoyant nanocomposite foams for maritime applications

“…1 Currently, they are applied to aircraft, spacecraft, and marine structures. [2][3][4] Polymer matrix syntactic foams are an essential component in structural applications, such as underwater vehicle structures, submarine buoyancy modules, aircraft components, and thermoforming plugs. [5][6][7][8][9] Shipbuilding control surfaces such as stern planes, rudders, and fairwater planes are composed of syntactic foam due to their superior hydrodynamic performance.…”

“…In the 1960s, these buoyancy aid materials were developed for deep water applications 1 . Currently, they are applied to aircraft, spacecraft, and marine structures 2–4 . Polymer matrix syntactic foams are an essential component in structural applications, such as underwater vehicle structures, submarine buoyancy modules, aircraft components, and thermoforming plugs 5–9 .…”