Analysis of mechanical properties in epoxy resin reinforced with glass particles

With the continuous advancement of technology, numerous areas of research are dedicated to the development of innovative materials. The focus is not only on creating financially viable options but also on producing materials that exhibit superior performance compared to those currently in use. Alongside this drive for innovation, there is a growing concern for sustainability, making it crucial for new technological developments to adopt processes that minimize environmental impact while promoting ecological preservation. In this context, this study focuses on evaluating the mechanical properties of a composite material through various tests, including the tensile test, Shore-D hardness test, and impulse excitation test. The composite material in question was formulated in three distinct compositions, incorporating glass powder with a particle size exceeding 325 mesh as a reinforcing filler. This glass powder is sourced from discarded glass bottles, thus contributing to waste reduction and promoting recycling. The composite material studied consists of an epoxy resin matrix, with glass particles acting as reinforcing fillers in varying proportions of 5%, 10%, and 20%. The specimens used for mechanical testing were fabricated using an open mold technique. Overall, the results obtained in the mechanical tests indicate an improvement in the main properties such as the modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, breaking stress, toughness and hardness of the material. However, the study also reveals that beyond a certain composition limit, there is no significant improvement and, in some cases, a slight decline in these properties is observed. This suggests the existence of an ideal composition where the balance between mechanical performance and material composition is achieved.