| Abstract: | In this study, the mechanical and thermal behavior of the steel particles (SP) fabricated epoxy-based composites were investigated. The purpose of using SP was to find out their suitability and compatibility to be used as low-cost fillers for epoxy-based composites. A special steel-cast metal mold was used to fabricate the composites via self-casting method. The effect of SP concentration (10, 20, 30 and 40 wt%) on various properties of the epoxy/SP composites was explored. Another sample was prepared using the optimum loading with a special treatment using heat and encapsulation of the SP. Mechanical properties of the composites were analyzed through tensile, flexural and impact testing. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to examine the structural and morphological properties. In addition, thermal properties of the composites were analyzed with the thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA). Results indicated that the addition of PS into epoxy improved both tensile and flexural strength up to 98.5% and 147.6%, respectively, compared to the neat epoxy (NE). The decomposition temperature was raised nearly 18 °C for adding 30 wt% SP which was the maximum among all other composites. Results showed that 30 wt% of SP was the optimum loading for the better properties of the composites. In addition, the preheat treatment of the particles and the encapsulation process established a better interaction between the epoxy and the particles which resulted in the superior performance of the composites compared to the other samples. Overall, the improved mechanical and thermal properties of the SP-fabricated epoxy composites indicate that the epoxy/SP composite is a good candidate for structural and high temperature applications. |
