Improving Unsaturated Polyester Based Nanocomposites to Resistance Environmental Changes
Salwa M El-mesallamy Eman S Ali, Magd M Badr
Abstract:
Ultraviolet radiation (UV) accelerated the degradation and cracking of polymers. Our work focused on delay the degradation rate of unsaturated polyester outdoor by loading Carbon black (CB) and carbon nanoparticles (CNP). We prepared composites and nanocomposites from modified unsaturated polyester (UPEG) as a matrix with different wt.%. of Carbon black (5%, 10%, 20%, and 30%CB) and carbon nanoparticles (0.1%,0.2%,0.3%,0.4%, and 0.5%CNP). X-ray diffraction and a High-resolution Transmission electron microscope investigated the morphology and surface of nanohybrid materials, showed the significant homogeneity and good dispersion of CNP into the UPEG matrix. Fourier transforms infrared detected the change of structure (UPEG) when compared with the neat resin. QUV accelerated weathering tester investigated the effect of wt. percentage and types (micro or nano) of filler in the degradation process of the modified unsaturated polyester resin. Mechanical properties (tensile strength and Hardness shore D) were done before and after the exposure of the sample to UV degradation. Hardness was improved with CNP than CB filler even at high content of 30% CB. The UPEG/CNP had high stability and their rate of degradation was more slow than in net resin, also when it comparison with UPEG/CB hybrids. The thermal stability of UPEG/ CNP was enhanced compared to that of unfilled UPEG and determined by Thermal gravimetric analysis.