Effect of particle size on the mechanical, water absorption and thermal properties of flamboyant seed particle-filled polyester composites for tile applications
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The study examined the effect of particle size on the mechanical, water absorption, and thermal properties of polyester composites filled with flamboyant seed particles for tile applications. The composites were made using polyester filled with 10 wt % flamboyant seeds of various particle sizes. The results showed that the composites' bending and impact strengths decreased with particle size, with 100 µm particles having the highest values of 46.99 MPa and 1.86 J/m2 , respectively, while the flexural modulus, hardness, and water absorption increased with particle size. The micrographs of fractured samples showed that particles of 100 µm had better interfaces and a homogenous dispersion within the polyester matrix, resulting in improved properties. The thermograph showed that 100 µm particles have better thermal stability with an onset decomposition temperature of 318 oC and maximum weight loss at 373 oC. The study found that the size of the seed particles significantly influences the properties of the composites, with particle sizes of 100 µm showing superior performance. The study recommends the use of 100 µm flamboyant seed particles for low-load bearing applications like wall tiles due to their low water absorption and superior mechanical and thermal properties.
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Funder: Ahmadu Bello University
OpenAlex ID: W4410694498