Abstract & Overview
Abstract : This research is aimed to find the effect of adding coupling agent to mechanical properties of polyester-cantula composite based 3D angle interlock (AI) woven fibre. The composite consists of combination between 3D angle interlock woven fibre and unsaturated polyester resins matrix (UPRs) with additional coupling agent. Coupling agent is an additive to increase interface bonding between matrix and filler of composite. Silane Dow Corning® OFS-6030 is used in this work as the coupling agent. The coupling agents added are varied about 0 (without coupling agent), 0.5, 1 and 1.5 percent of capacity of the composite. Mechanical tests of the composite are based on ASTM D 3039 standard for tensile test, ASTM D 790 standard for bending test and ASTM D 4812 standard for impact test. The results of the mechanical tests indicate that the mechanical properties namely impact, bending and tensile strength increased by percentage increment of coupling agent. Cross-sectional observations using scanning electron micrograph fracturing (SEM) showed that the addition of silane coupling agent improve the bond between matrix and fibre with the rest of the matrix on the surface of fibre. Keywords : Composite, coupling agent, 3D woven fibre, Angle interlock, Mechanical property