Experimental Study of Mechanical Properties of Thermoset Microcomposites Reinforced with Hollow Glass Microspheres (HGMS)

The pursuit of lightweight materials alongside acceptable mechanical properties is one of the goals highlighted in the practical applications of composites. On the other hand, the use of innovative reinforcing materials capable of modifying mechanical properties to reduce the density of composites has been a challenging issue, mainly because reinforcing agents commonly used in the production of microcomposites have a higher specific density than the polymer itself. In this research, samples of microcomposites were fabricated using thermoset polystyrene polymer and low-density glass microspheres according to ASTM standards. The study focused on investigating mechanical properties such as tensile strength, Young's modulus, flexural properties, impact resistance, and energy absorption behavior of the samples. The effects of adding glass microspheres at weight percentages ranging from ۰ to ۲۰ were examined. Dispersion methods such as mechanical stirrers or high-energy ball milling were employed to disperse the particles, and the particles were incorporated into one of the phases of the three-component thermoset polystyrene. The resulting mixtures were cast into silicone molds. These samples underwent tests for impact resistance, energy absorption, strength, tensile modulus, and glass transition temperature determination. Additionally, the fractured surfaces of these samples were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy.