The influence of the variation of particle size and content on the mechanical properties of polyester when reinforced with coconut husk ash (CHA) have been studied. Clean and pretreated coconut husk was burnt in open air and ash particles were obtained using 75, 150 and 300 µm British standard sieves. Unsaturated polyester resin (matrix) was used to produce polymer composite by hand lay-up technique with 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 percent by weight CHA particles. Three samples per particle size per percent by weight of CHA were used to perform tensile, flexural, impact and hardness tests according to ASTM standards, and their average values obtained. The results show that, for each particle size, the impact energy of the composite increased to maximum values of 0.37 KJ/m2 , 0.58 KJ/m2 and 0.38 KJ/m2 respectively for 75, 150 and 300 µm, with progressive addition of CHA particles; respective values for 75 µm, 150µm and 300µm particle size reinforcement of other properties generally increased to maximum values of 17.72 MPa, 28.61 MPa and 20.00 MPa for tensile strength, 12.6 HRF, 11.3 HRF and 10.5 HRF for hardness, 21.7 MPa, 38.57 MPa and 37.00 MPa for modulus of rupture and 599.17 MPa, 909.95 MPa and 947.12 MPa for modulus of elasticity, but decreased thereafter with 150µm particle size presenting better properties.

Author Name: Tertsegha Daniel IPILAKYAA, Livinus Tyovenda TULEUN, James Terngu SULE

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Keywords: coconut husk ash, unsaturated polyester resin, polymer composite, particle size

ISSN: 2537-4338

EISSN:

EOI/DOI: 10.36868/ejmse.2019.04.04.212

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