SHRINKAGE CONTROL OF UNSATURATED POLYESTER USING NANOSTRUCTURED PARTICLES: PART II – CHARACTERISATION OF A ‘CLASS A’ LAMINATE
Pages 110-116
P. J. SCHUBEL
University of Nottingham, School of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
Received ; accepted
A study of a series of hybrid matrices consisting of a nanocomposite unsaturated polyester and low profile additive (LPA) blends intended for cosmetic (Class A) applications is presented. The hybrid matrices were used to impregnate random E-glass preforms using an RTM process. The laminates were monitored for changes in volumetric shrinkage and subsequent changes in surface quality of pre and post painted surfaces. Residual volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were monitored for each system. Mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural and impact strength are studied for the hybrid nanocomposites and compared with the base resin and a conventional low profile matrix. Results suggest that the use of nano-scale silicate assists in forming an acceptable cosmetic laminate when coupled with a LPA and specific properties lost through the use of a LPA are compensated by the nanocomposite.
