In this study, thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, and thermal degradation of pumice-added epoxy materials were investigated. 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% of pumice was added to the epoxy resin (EP) % by weight. Various types of analyses and tests were conducted to determine the thermal conductivity, mechanical properties, and thermal degradation of these epoxy materials. The tests and analyses proved that the addition of pumice leads to a decrease in the thermal conductivity coefficient and density of the pure EP material. It also increases the degree of hardness. The addition of pumice had a positive effect on mechanical properties. Compared to pure EP, it increased the tensile strength, Young’s modulus, bending strength, and flexural modulus. As a result of TGA analysis it was determined that with the incorporation of pumice into the EP, its decomposition rate progressed more slowly. At 800_C, the carbon residue improved as a result of the addition of pumice.

The present work investigated the effect of modifying an epoxy resin using two different modifiers. The mechanical and thermal properties were evaluated as a function of modifier type and content. The structure and morphology were also analyzed and related to the measured properties. Polyurethane (PUR) was used as a liquid modifier, while Cloisite Na+ and Nanomer I.28E are solid nanoparticles. Impact strength (IS) of hybrid nanocomposites based on 3.5 wt% PUR and 2 wt% Cloisite or 3.5wt% PUR and 1wt% Nanomer was maximally increased by 55% and 30% respectively compared to the virgin epoxy matrix, exceeding that of the two epoxy/nanoparticle binaries but not that of the epoxy/PUR binary. Furthermore, a maximum increase in IS of approximately 20% compared to the pristine matrix was obtained with the hybrid epoxy nanocomposite containing 0.5 wt% Cloisite and 1 wt% Nanomer, including a synergistic effect, due most likely to specific interactions between the nanoparticles and the epoxy matrix. The addition of polyurethane and nanoclays increased significantly the thermal stability of epoxy composites. However, DSC results showed that the addition of flexible polyurethane chains decreased the glass transition temperatures, while the softening point and the service temperature range of epoxy nanocomposites containing nanofillers were increased. FTIR analysis confirmed the occurrence of interaction between the epoxy matrix and added modifiers. All SEM micrographs showed significant roughness of the fracture surfaces with the formation of elongated platelets, explaining the increase in mechanical properties of the epoxy matrix.

The article discusses results of pull-off adhesion strength tests on poly-p- phenylene benzobisoxazole (PBO) mesh bonded to fir timber beams using epoxy resin. The tests were performed in accordance with the PN-EN 1542 standard. Timber elements reinforced with PBO fibres were subjected to pull-off tests to measure the adhesive strength of the mesh to the beams.The factors occurring during the test were also characterized, which may affect its results such as the method of application of the tearing force, selection of epoxy glue, surface preparation of the tested elements, occurrence of material defects in the wood and types of substrate destruction.The experimental data show that failure of the timber layer was not observed in all the specimens tested.

In order to improve the toughness of traditional epoxy resin, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) was introduced into the epoxy resin. The static mechanical performance of plasticized and unplasticized epoxy resin was evaluated. The test results showed that the DBP modified epoxy resin can obtain a higher toughness than conventional epoxy resin, but the elastic modulus and the tensile strength were slightly reduced. The low cycle fatigue test results indicated that the stress ratio and the stress level were two critical factors of fatigue life, which was increased with the growth of stress ratio. It was also found that the fatigue life of plasticized specimen was much less than that of the unplasticized specimen because of the plastic deformation. A logarithmic linear relationship was then established to predict the fatigue life for plasticized epoxy resin. The strain energy density was also applied to demonstrate the accumulation of energy loss. In addition, the fatigue toughness can be obtained by the hysteresis loop area method.

Composite materials are a constantly evolving group of engineering materials, which has significantly changed their current, and potential role as structural materials over the past decades. Composites offer greater strength, stiffness, and less deformation to structural designers than previously available engineering materials. Resin matrix composites are widely used in the transportation, marine, aerospace, energy, and even sports industries. The manufacturing stage has a profound influence on the quality of the final product. This paper presents the production of composite materials by gravity casting in silicone moulds, using an epoxy/polyester resin matrix reinforced with wood chips and shredded glass fiber reinforced composite from recycled wind turbine blades. Some of the fabricated samples were degassed in a reduced-pressure chamber. The mechanical properties of the produced material were then examined. It was noted that the silicone moulds did not affect the resin self-degassing due to the large surface area to weight ratio, and the remaining small air bubbles had a limited effect on the mechanical properties of the samples. The filler used also played a significant role. Composites filled with crushed GFRC showed better strength properties than composites filled with wood chips. The conducted research is aimed at selecting materials for further testing with a view to their use in the manufacture of next-generation wood-based composite structural materials.