Abstract:
A simple cold press moulding process was used to prodllCe unsaturated polyester resin
(UPRj-jute mat reinforced composites using different weight percentage or calcium
carbonate (CaCO,j. 'lhe various physical and mechanical properties ~uch as Dcnsity,
Water absorption, Flexural Strength (FS), Ultimate Tensile Strcngth (UTS) and electrical
properties such as resistivity, actiYalion encrgy etc, of the composites were measured
with different change or proccss variables sllch as load, time and weight percenl<lge of
CaCO,
Water ab~orption (WA) decreases with the increa,e of soaking time amI becomes almost
satu"lled after 120 hours in all conditions. The WA of jute fiber reinrorced composite
with filler decreases with the increase of filler content. WA decreases with moulding load
up 10 142 kN and then increascs above. Bulk density increases with CaCO] content fix
the composites with 0,5 and 5.0% NaOli treatedjmc mat.
Young Modulus of composites increases up to 2 Wl% ofCaCO] then it decreases. Tensile
strength shows also similar hehaviour. Flexural Strength (FS) and Tangent modulus
remain constant up to 142 kl'i and then decreases above. Both lhese attain maximum
value with 2 ",1 % CaC03 in the composites. FS and Tangent modll1us values are higher
for composites with 5% NaOH treated jute mat.
Although jutc mat addition lowcr the degradation temperature. CaCOJ addition to the
UPR-jmc mo.t composile impro\'e the degradalion temperature bul ~tilllowcr then that oj"
UPR,
The electrical resistivily increases on addi(i(l1l of CaCOJ Eleclri~al conduction is
dominated by ion motion.
