Production and characterization of microsphere reinforced polyester composite: Modeling of thermal decomposition with ANN and optimization studies by RSM

Abstract

In this research, hollow inorganic microsphere (Q-cel) reinforced unsaturated polyester composite is produced, and its thermophysical properties have been characterized. The thermal decomposition kinetics of the composite obtained at different heating rates and various compositions are modeled using artificial neural networks. Also, the production optimization of the polyester composite has been evaluated using response surface methodology. The study has been repeated for certain heating rates (5, 10, and 20 K/min). Activation energies of polyester composites have been calculated using thermogravimetric data and kinetic methods. Changes in activation energy during the thermal decomposition (4 wt.% Q-cel, 94 wt.% UP, 580–660 K, and 20 K/min) of the composite are compared using FWO (129.4 kJ/mol), KAS (127.6 kJ/mol), and CR (126.5 kJ/mol). According to the results, it is seen that the activation energy goes up as the temperature and Q-cel ratio by the mass increase. When the amount of the filler in the polyester composite increases, the thermal conductivity coefficient also rises. As well as, it is determined that as Q-cel ratio in the mixture raises, the density of the composite decreases and Shore D hardness goes up.

HIGHLIGHTS

• A new and original composite has been produced with Qcel-reinforced unsaturated polyester.

• The density of the composite is low, its thermal stability is high, and its easy processability will provide a great convenience.

• Modeling the Qcel ratio of the composite with RSM and the activation energy with ANN have been provided fast, efficient and optimum results.

• With the composite obtained, both lightweight and thermally stable polymer materials will be produced.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• composite
• density
• hardness
• hollow inorganic microsphere
• thermal conductivity
• thermal decomposition

Disclosure statement

There are no conflicts to declare.