Jaan Kers

Embedded Electronics Influence on the Strength of Carbon Fiber Laminate

A complex electronics circuit placeholder is embedded in the carbon fiber laminate. The reduction of the material mechanical strength is assessed. The strain interaction between electronics and carbon fiber laminate is measured with digital image correlation based deformation scanner GOM ARAMIS 2M. A finite element analysis model is developed and validated. Based on FEA results the response model for prediction of the mechanical properties of laminate is introduced.

Effect of Basalt Reinforcement Type and Content on the Abrasive Wear Behaviour of Polymer Composites

Basalt reinforced composites are quite recently (during last 20 years) developed materials having low density, high specific strength, good frictional, heat and chemical resistance. Natural mineral based fibres are potential alternatives to glass fibres for their strength and to carbon fibres for their lower cost. In order to use basalt reinforced composites for lightweight applications, it is necessary to perform wear characterisation. Basalt fibre, powder and scales reinforced, unsaturated polyester and epoxy resin composites were fabricated with various ratios of basalt and polymeric matrixes. The tribological behaviour of basalt reinforced composites was determined according to the ASTM G132 standard test method for pin abrasion testing. Results showed that type and content of reinforcement have a significant influence on the mechanical and tribological properties of the composites. Scanning electron microscope images are given to illustrate the wear mechanism of composites.

Determination of Resistance to Wear of Particulate Composite

Current paper concentrates on the wear resistance of a particle reinforced polymer matrix composite material. The composite material consists of unsaturated polyester resin that is filled with aluminum hydroxide. Aluminum hydroxide acts as hard phase and polyester as binding agent. The aim of the work was to understand the influence of particle size and filler material mass fraction to the wear resistance of the composite. The wear properties were determined according to standard test method using rubber wheel and silica.