Synthesis and characterization of zinc oxide (ZnO) filled glass fiber reinforced polyester composites

This study aims at fabrication of zinc oxide (ZnO) filled glass fiber reinforced polyester (GFRP) composites with varying concentrations of filler and investigation of their mechanical and thermal behavior. In this study, ZnO was dispersed in polyester, and laminates were fabricated by hand lay-up technique followed by compression molding. Mechanical properties were determined by flexural strength analysis, impact strength and hardness testing whereas thermal stability by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Flexural strength of 3 wt.% ZnO filled GFRP composite was improved significantly (up to 62.12%) in comparison to unfilled composite. Hardness, impact strength and thermal stability have also been found increased gradually with increase in ZnO loading.