Production and investigation of the properties of nano SiO2 and ZrO2 reinforced polyester matrix composite materials

Polyester matrix composites are used in many areas such as the mainly Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) pipe sector, aviation industry, boat hull production, electrical insulation materials, automotive industry, military technologies, construction industry, decoration materials and various machine parts manufacturing. With the addition of nano additives into the polyester matrix, it is aimed to examine and improve the abrasion, friction, contact angle, surface energy, thermal and structural properties. Nano composite materials were obtained by adding 0.5%, 1% and 2% SiO2 and ZrO2 additives with nano-size to isophthalic polyester as matrix material. These materials are mixed by mechanical and ultrasonic methods and poured into open molds. Prepared in accordance with experimental standards for tribological, surface and thermal analysis research. Friction coefficients and wear rates were obtained by using pin disc wear test system to examine the tribological behavior of prepared nano composites. Optical and SEM surface images of the composites were examined. The experiments were carried out at room temperature and at an average humidity of 70%. Tribological studies were carried out under 2, 5, 10N load and 0.5 and 0.1 m/s sliding speed. Contact angle and surface energy experiments were measured on Datapyhsics OCA 15 using the sessile drop method. In addition to pure water, DMSO (Dimethylsulfoxide) and ethylene glycol liquids were used in surface energy measurements. In the first chapter, general information, friction, wear, contact angle and surface energy concepts and literature researches are given. In the second part, the properties of the materials used, experiments and tests are mentioned. In the third part, the results obtained by giving the experimental results are evaluated. In the fourth chapter, general results and recommendations are mentioned.