Effect of huntite mineral on mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of polyester matrix

Huntite mineral, which was taken from Denizli Acipayam mines in Turkey, was used as reinforcement for unsaturated polyester in this study. For this aim, firstly huntite mineral was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). Then huntite reinforced polyester composites were produced at various huntite concentrations (1, 3 and 5 wt.%) and characterized. Tensile and flexural strengths of polyester were obtained to increase until the huntite content of 3% into unsaturated polyester. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was carried out to determine the thermal stability of the composites. When 3% huntite was added to the unsaturated polyester, maximum decomposition temperature of polyester increased from 383 degrees C to 398 degrees C. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses of polyester and huntite reinforced polyester composites show a well-cured composite. The distribution of huntite particles in polyester matrix was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The presence of huntite into polyester was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and FIR analyses. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.