Determination of Mechanical Performance of Epoxy Composites with magnesium oxide (MgO) Addition

This study aims to determine the mechanical properties of epoxy-magnesium oxide composite through tensile, impact strength and hardness testing. The epoxy-magnesium oxide composite was prepared by adding varying weight fractions of magnesium oxide powder to an epoxy matrix. Tensile testing was conducted to evaluate the tensile strength and the composite's model. Impact strength testing was performed to assess the resistance of the composite to sudden shock loads. Rockwell hardness testing was done to determine the composite's resistance to indentation. Tensile testing results revealed that the addition of magnesium oxide powder increased the tensile strength of the epoxy-magnesium oxide powder composite. The composite with the weight ratio of 25 wt % of magnesium oxide powder exhibited the highest tensile strength value, equal to 0.48N/mm2. Impact strength testing showed that the addition of magnesium oxide powder improved the composite's resistance to sudden shock loads. The composite with the weight ratio of 25 wt % of magnesium oxide powder exhibited the highest impact strength, equal to 1.01 J. Hardness testing indicated that the addition of magnesium oxide powder increased the overall hardness of the composite. The composite with the weight ratio of 25 wt % of magnesium oxide powder had the highest hardness value, equal to 1.93J. Keywords: epoxy resin, mechanical tests, Composite materials, impact strength, tension strength, hardness.