MOISTURE ABSORPTION OF COMPOSITES MADE FROM UNSATURATED POLYESTER FILLED WITH PULVERIZED SANDSTONE, DIORITE AND CORNSTALK

Abstract

Moisture absorption of materials is one major concern in any engineering design. This is because moisture absorption is capable of leading to material degradation and ultimate failure. The purpose of this work is to study and compare the moisture absorption of composites made from polyester resin, reinforced with diorite, pulverized sandstone, and cornstalk. Moisture absorption was carried out using the long term immersion procedure based on the ASTM D 570 - 98 standards. Corn stalk-polyester composite was found to absorb more moisture than other composites. The diorite-polyester composite absorbed the least moisture and the moisture decreased with increasing amount of the diorite filler added. A brief review of efforts to commercialize the products is made.