Mechanical Characterization of Epoxy – Scrap Rubber Based Composites Reinforced with Alumina Fibers

Recently, encouraged by the idea of sustainable development, the emissions of CO₂ have become a very prominent issue to be solved. As a consequence, in the automotive and aeronautic industries, the reduction of weight has become a major issue and needs to be addressed for all possible structures in the vehicle. Therefore, some metallic parts are being replaced by polymer based composites. For this to happen, the feasibility of using these composites has to be examined properly in terms of their mechanical and energetic properties. Epoxy – rubber based composites reinforced with ceramics are studied by several researchers. However, addition of scrap rubber to the matrix and alumina fibers (Al₂O₃) as a reinforcement introduces a novelty in this area. Since, using of scrap rubber has positive outcomes in economical and structural perspectives such as revaluation of scraps and compensating the brittleness of epoxy. Also, due to its favorable structural characteristics such as interlocking properties of fibers, addition of alumina fibers ensures desired mechanical properties in case of a homogeneous distribution. This paper is focused on the design of epoxy – fresh scrap rubber matrix reinforced with different ratios of alumina fibers. The mechanical and some physical properties of these composite systems were studied in this research. Mechanical properties were evaluated by means of drop weight tests, three-point bending tests and nanoindentation technics. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to observe fracture surfaces and the microstructure. After all, UV degradation of the material was observed by electron microscopy.