Mechanical Properties and Effect of Coupling Agent in a Polystyrene/Flyash Composite
Department of Chemical Engineering
Bucknell University
Lewisburg, PA 17837, USA
Composite samples were prepared consisting of up to 60 wt% flyash filler contained within a combined virgin and post-consumer polystyrene matrix. Mechanical testing was conducted, which included flexural, split tension and compression modes. As filler content increased, ultimate strengths and strains were compromised, especially under flexural and split tension loadings. These effects at a selected flyash level were largely reversed by incorporation of a silane coupling agent. The fracture behavior of these two-phase materials and the efficacy of the coupling agent are discussed, further supported by microscopic observation of fracture surfaces.