Study on bentonite-unsaturated polyester composite materials

Jordanian Ca-bentonite was used in formulation of unsaturated polyester-based composite materials. For curing purpose, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide was used as an initiator and it was accelerated with cobalt octoate to maximize the curing process at room temperature. The effect of filler and styrene contents on the physical properties of composites was assessed by measuring the compressive strength, hardness, thermal conductivity, water absorption capacity, and apparent density. Increasing the filler content, at a constant styrene/polyester ratio, increased the properties of composites. On other hand, maximum values of compressive strength, hardness, and thermal conductivity of composites were found at about 22.7 wt% of styrene, whereas water absorption capacity was minimum at a styrene content of 32.8 wt%. Nevertheless, the apparent density was found to linearly decrease with styrene content.