Structural properties of Epoxy –polysulfide copolymer reinforced with silicon carbide powder

Most structural materials are designed to have light weight and high strength and tensile modulus. Epoxy is a commonly used thermoset polymer in construction, machinery, aerospace having light weight, adhesive, stable and low cost. Considering mechanical properties Epoxy have excellent bonding performance, superior thermal and chemical resistance, and easy processability. While the large internal stress, poor brittleness, poor impact resistance and high crosslinking density are the main defect in Epoxy properties. To enhance the brittleness and impact strength Epoxy is blended with polysulfide but reinforced with SIC to enhance tensile modulus and wear resistance. The polysulfide blending percentage is 6% wt. and the reinforcing SIC particles percentage is 1-2% wt. To evaluate the enhancement in Epoxy properties, mechanical tests (Tensile, Flexural and Wear) were performed. Tensile test results showed an increase in tensile strength when 1% SiC was applied, while flexural test results showed a little difference between the two reinforcement percentages in the beginning of the test then an increase of 1% SiC flexural strength was observed. Wear rate enhanced obviously when 2%SIC was applied.