Modification to unsaturated polyester resin with silica and silica/boron nitride mixture nanoparticles

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the effects of nano or inorganic fillers on unsaturated polyester's (UPE) thermal, mechanical, and physical properties. UPE reinforced with nanoparticles shows better properties than the pure polymer itself. Nano or inorganic fillers are used in the polymeric matrix to improve thermal, mechanical and physical properties. Design/methodology/approachTo improve thermal, mechanical and physical properties, UPE resin was modified with silica (S), boron nitride (BN) and S/BN hybrid nanoparticles at different ratios. Viscosity and solids content measurement, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, contact angle measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and thermal conductivity coefficient tests were performed on the samples. FindingsIn the SEM analysis, the UPE sample showed a smooth appearance, while all samples containing additives showed phase separation and overall heterogeneous distribution. TGA results demonstrated that the thermal stability of the resin increased in the presence of S and BN additives. According to the results, it was observed that the presence of S and BN additives in the UPE resin and the use of certain ratios improved the resin properties. Originality/valueAs a result of the literature search, to the best of the authors' knowledge, no study was found in which BN nanoparticles were included in the UPE resin together with S.

Automated summary

This study investigates the effects of nano or inorganic fillers on the thermal, mechanical, and physical properties of unsaturated polyester (UPE). UPE reinforced with nanoparticles has better properties than the pure polymer. To improve the properties, UPE resin was modified with silica (S), boron nitride (BN), and S/BN hybrid nanoparticles at different ratios. Various tests and analyses were performed on the samples.