Mechanical and microstructural properties of expanded polyethylene powder/mica filled hybrid polystyrene composites

In this study, expanded polyethylene powder (EPE) and mica mineral were utilized in varying proportions as fillers in a solvated polystyrene-based resin (PBR) matrix. The hand-lay-up composites and resin were characterized using FTIR, SEM-EDS, and hardness tests. FTIR spectra revealed that chemical interactions exist between the filler(s) and the PBR matrix. SEM analysis showed that by increasing the concentration of mica in the matrix, the roughness of the composite’s surface increased. The hardness test showed that increasing the concentration of the mica mineral and decreasing the concentration of EPE in the resin matrix improved the hardness of the composite.