Mechanical characteristics of polymer composites based on epoxy resins with silicon carbide

This study examines the impact of the type of base matrix (epoxy resin) and the addition of silicon carbide powder on the mechanical properties of polymer composite materials. To determine the compressive strength and elastic modulus of the polymer composites, samples were prepared using ED-20 epoxy-diane resin, cured with polyethylene polyamine. In order to eliminate the dependency of the results on specific commercial brands of resins, tests were conducted on polymers from different manufacturers. Mechanical tests were performed on samples of pure resin as well as on those containing reinforcing SiC particles. The chosen research methodology allowed for the determination of the relationship between the strength of the final polymer composites and the presence of silicon carbide powder. Polymer samples in the form of 20 mm cubic specimens were fabricated in custom-made formwork molds. Compressive strength tests were carried out using a REM-100-A-1 universal testing machine, and deformations were additionally measured using a non-contact video extensometer to calculate the elastic modulus. The study revealed a positive effect from the addition of 5 wt.% SiC to the epoxy-diane resins on the specified mechanical properties. The average increase in strength was 168%, while the elastic modulus increased by 26%. The introduction of the reinforcing additive also enabled a more consistent relationship between the loads and deformations of the samples based on epoxy resins from various domestic manufacturers, significantly enhancing their applicability in construction and other industries.