Abstract
In this study, the composites of ceramic waste filler polyester were produced with ceramic waste as the filler and unsaturated polyester resin as the matrix. Various weight of filler loads (particle size [180 µm) were used; 0, 28.5, 41 and 50 wt% in view to better understand the effect of filler content on the mechanical, thermal properties and water absorption of the composites. Additionally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to characterize the samples, from the findings, it is noticed an increase in the level of porcelain powder decreased the flexural strength and Hardness and increased the density. The results of water absorption have shown the composites absorbs fewer water. Thermal degradation indicates that the composite is more resistant to temperature than unsaturated polyester matrix due to the effect of porcelain powder incorporated. Moreover, the results reveal an opportunity for using the ceramic waste as filler in unsaturated polyester resin formulation.
Keywords: unsaturated Polyester Resin; ceramic waste; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; mechanical properties; water absorption; thermal degradation