TITLE:
Effect of Particle Size and Concentration of Flyash on Properties of Polyester Thermoplastic Elastomer Composites
AUTHORS:
M.S. Sreekanth, V.A. Bambole, S.T. Mhaske, P.A. Mahanwar
KEYWORDS:
Particulate composites, thermoplastic elastomers, hytrel, flyash.
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Minerals and Materials Characterization and Engineering,
Vol.8 No.3,
March
20,
2009
ABSTRACT: The performance of filled polymers is generally determined on the basis of the interface
attraction of filler and polymers. Particulate filled polymer composites are becoming attractive
because of their wide applications and low cost. In this study the effects of flyash with three
varying particle size and filler concentrations (viz. 5 to 40 weight %) on the mechanical,
thermal, electrical, rheological and morphological properties of polyester thermoplastic
elastomer (Hytrel?) was investigated. Composites of polyester thermoplastic elastomer with varying concentrations of flyash were prepared by twin screw extrusion. Mechanical properties
such as flexural strength and modulus increases with filler loading, where as tensile strength is
found to be decrease with increase in flyash loading. Dielectric strength of composites also
increases with flyash loading. Morphological studies revealed that there is good dispersion of
filler in the polymer matrix. Thermal properties were found to be improved with flyash addition.
Further, it was observed that the mechanical (flexural), thermal as well as electrical properties
of composites improved with decrease in particle size of filler.