Studies on piezothermoelastic epoxycyanate ester matrix glass fibre composites

Abstract

The objective of the present research work is to develop a new matrix material by varying the percentage loading ( 0%, 20%, 40% and 60%) of Arocy b10 ( cyanate ester resin) and Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT)(10%, 20% and 30%)with commercial epoxy resin. The blend is converted into a composite by reinforcing it with glass fibre. Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) is usually used as piezoelectric ceramic fillers to construct the piezo-electric units in the polymer matrix. This work throws light on the static and dynamic mechanical properties of the quarternary composite with varying cyanate and PZT loadings, and analyzing the effect of the cyanate and PZT loading on the properties. The damping factor determined in this study reveals that the 60EPCY 20PI is found to have a high damping factor when compared to the 60EPCY composite. Also, with an increase in the temperature, the damping factor is found to remain almost constant. Thus, the 20% PZT loaded 60EPCY composite has a better damping property than the neat 60EPCY .All the experimental results are in good agreement with the simulated results. From this study, the 60EPCY20PI is found to show better properties and therefore, this PZT doped resin system was chosen for application studies. The performance, combustion and emission characteristics of the 60EPCY 20PI material coated combustion chamber diesel engine are compared with those of a standard engine. The 60EPCY 20PI material acts as a thermal barrier coating and piezo effect, (enhanced pressure and temperature generation due to high stiffness) which can improve the Brake Specific Fuel Consumption (BSFC) and increase thermal efficiency. Unburnt Hydrocarbon (UBHC) and carbon monoxide emissions are reduced compared to those of a standard engine. Due to their high static and dynamic mechanical properties, the new piezothermoelastic cyanate modified epoxy matrix composites have great potential in engineering and aerospace applications, to provide better performance. newline newline newline