RESULTS

Table 1: Results of hardness test of group 10

Sample 1 2 3
1 24.5 25.1 76.3
2 35.7 33.2 91.3
3 32.1 21.4 37.7
Average 30.77 26.37 86.43

Table 2: Results of hardness test of Group 11

Sample 1 2 3
1 31.5 34.4 34.7
2 34.4 38.6 20.9
3 28.8 27.7 30.7
Average 31.57 33.57 28.77

Table 3: Results of hardness test of Group 12

Sample 1 2 3
1 41.9 29.8 32.1
2 44.3 33.6 43.8
3 27.3 35.1 44.3
Average 37.83 32.83 40.07
DISCUSSIONS

For the discussion part, the results of hardness test from three different groups were compare
to each other. The BMC that produced used different formulation for each group, in order to
differentiate the hardness between the BMC. The weight percentage of glass fiber and
calcium carbonate are believe as the main factors that affect the hardness of BMC.

From all the tables given, table 1 shows the highest average of hardness of BMC on sample 3
which is 86.43. This happened due to the formulation amount of weight percentage for the
glass fibre and calcium carbonate are higher than other groups’ formulation. Glass fiber
reinforced polyester composites have played a dominant role for a long-time in a variety of
applications for their high specific strength, stiffness and modulus. The best mechanical
properties obtained at 60 wt.% of glass fiber of fabricated composites[1]. This can relate that
the higher the glass fibre’s weight percentage, the higher the hardness of BMC. As for the
calcium carbonate, it shows that in thermosets (sheet and large cast compound, e.g. car
components, application of bathtub & shower), Calcium Carbonate in unsaturated polyester
based on SMC and BMC to saving costs, improve surface & hardness, manage loss and
increase the effects of heat diffusion[2]. This explained that calcium carbonate also the main
factor for increasing the hardness of BMC.

While the lowest average value for the hardness of BMC is also from the table 1 which is
26.37. This shows that, the compounds that are mixed together such as glass fiber and
calcium carbonate are not mixing well with the matrix of the unsaturated polyesters. That
may explained why there is difference in value for the samples since the formulation used for
mixing are the same.

REFERENCES:
1. M. M. S. EL-Wazerya, M. I. EL-Elamya, and S. H. ZoalfakarbS. EL-Wazerya, M. I. EL-
Elamya, and S. H. Zoalfakarb.

2017. 14, 3: 121-131

Mechanical Properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced

Polyester Composites

2. Calcium carbonate's application in plastic industry

5/5/2017

http://caco3-ybv.vn/news/news-about-caco3/calcium-carbonates-application-in-plastic-
industry-490-p305.html