Thermal resistance and mechanical stability of tungsten oxide filled polymer composite radiation shields

Abstract

The influence of tungsten oxide on thermal and mechanical properties of Isophthalic polyester was studied in detail. Ultrasonication technique was successful in dispersing WO₃ filler particles upto 40 wt% into the polymer matrix and was confirmed through the Scanning Electron Microscopy technique. The mechanical strength of the composites was found to increase with increase in the WO3 content and is acting as a reinforcer. About 77.4%, 65.4% and 7–8 times increase was observed in tensile, flexural and compressive strength respectively with respect to pristine. The thermogram of the composites reveal two stages of degradation. Maximum weight loss was observed in the first stage of degradation in almost all the composites. The initial degradation temperature of the composites range from 151 °C–226 °C. Activation energy was estimated using Horowitz–Metzger kinetic theory and was found to range from 25.31 to 78.58 kJ/Mol. The 50 wt% WO3 filled composite exhibits excellent thermal stability and mechanical strength. Thus, WO₃ filler particles were successful in enhancing the thermal and mechanical strength of Isophthalic polyester.

Keywords:

• Isophthalic polyester
• tungsten oxide
• dispersion
• mechanical strength
• degradation

Additional information

Funding

The authors express their sincere gratitude to DAE-BRNS, Bhabha Atomic Research Center, Mumbai, India for extending financial support through a research project.