Zinc borate-containing GFRP production and examination of mechanical and chemical properties

In this study, the production of glass fiber reinforced polyester material, which is used extensively in the electrical industry, with the addition of zinc borate, and its mechanical and chemical effects on the material were investigated. The aim of this process is to improve the weak aspects of the materials used and to obtain a material that adds more properties in the desired direction. The purpose of developing composite materials is usually to achieve a certain balance of properties for a particular use. Glass fiber reinforced composite materials, which are frequently used in the electrical industry, are preferred primarily because they are durable, have a low density, are insulating and have flame retardant properties. Polymer matrix composite materials are composites produced using polymer as matrix and fiber as reinforcement. The high performance, cost-effectiveness and easy production of polymers matrix composites at room temperature are the reasons why they are frequently preferred among composites. Polymers are, by their very nature, flammable materials. Polymers have a low limited oxygen index and cannot give a successful result in the combustion (UL-94) test, and therefore their applications in daily life pose a great fire problem for human life. These materials cannot fully meet these features as only polyester and glass fiber. Therefore, additives are needed. Raising the flame retardant behavior of polymers, extending their use to most applications, is a major challenge. While various flame retardant additives, such as halogenated additives, are being phased out due to their proven or suspected adverse effects on the environment, safety requirements in terms of polymers' fire response and fire resistance performance are currently becoming more stringent. All flame retardants act in the vapor phase or condensed phase through a chemical and/or physical mechanism to interfere with the combustion process during heating, pyrolysis, ignition or flame propagation. For example, the inclusion of fillers mainly functions to dilute the polymer and reduce the concentration of decomposition gases. Borates are a family of inorganic additives with flame retardant properties. Among these, zinc borates such as 2ZnO 3B2O3 3.5H2O are the most commonly used. Endothermic decompositions (503 kJ/kg) between 290 and 450 C release water, boric acid and boron oxide (B2O3). The formed B2O3 softens at 350°C and flows above 500°C, leading to the formation of a protective glassy layer. In the case of polymers containing oxygen atoms, the presence of boric acid causes dehydration, leading to the formation of a carbonized layer. This layer protects the polymer from heat and oxygen. Thus, the emission of flammable gases is reduced. Zinc Borate; It is used as a flame retardant, smoke and glare suppressant and anti-arc agent in polymer systems such as polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, epoxy, polyesters, thermoplastic elastomers and rubbers. Plastic materials produced with zinc borate turn into more durable and quality products.Thermosetting resins are among the simplest plastic materials to process. All that is required is to mix in the activator, pour into a mold, let it cool, and then remove it from the mold. It is produced exactly the same as the mold contours without the need for heat and pressure. The mold can be made of almost any non-porous material such as metal, wood, plastic, even plaster or cardboard if the surface is sealed. If a higher production rate is desired, a heated die can be used. The heat accelerates the curing process, provides a more complete cure, and allows the use of activators that provide a longer pot life. Hand lay-up and cold press methods are used for processing. In this method, since the mold is two-sided, both sides of the produced material come out bright. 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% zinc borate was added to the samples and its effect on the mechanical and chemical properties of the material was investigated. Tensile test in accordance with ISO 527 – 1 was performed to determine the tensile strength properties of the samples, bending test in accordance with ISO 178 was performed to determine the bending strength properties, impact test in accordance with ISO 179 was performed to determine the impact strength properties. The combustion characteristics were determined by the UL94 horizontal and vertical combustion test. As a result, when 10% zinc borate was added to the glass fiber reinforced composite material, an increase in tensile strength and bending strength occurred. As the ratio increased, the tensile strength decreased. The highest result in impact resistance was achieved when 15% was added. The burning properties are classified as slow burning (HB) material according to the horizontal burning test. It has not met any of the standards (V0, V1 and V2) in the vertical burning test.