The Influence of Alumina Filler on Mechanical, Thermal and Electrical Properties of Bulk Moulding Compounds (BMCs) Composite

Bulk moulding compounds (BMCs) are composite materials of thermosetting polymer matrix reinforced by short glass fibers. BMCs have known as the alternative of the traditional materials thanks to their optimal properties such as lightweight, durability, corrosion under certain environment, formable, high electrical resistance... The previous study mentioned the process of manufacturing composite materials BMCs from unsaturated polyester resin reinforced with short glass fiber and CaCO3 filler by Z axis mixer and applying in the circuit breaker bottom, [1, 2]. To improve the thermal resistance of BMCs under high temperature condition in the industry, in this research, alumina filler was added to investigate the influence of alumina with the different content of 15wt.% and 20wt.% on the mechanical, thermal and electrical properties of BMCs. Specimens manufactured with and without alumina filler content were compared. The results show clearly that adding alumina could improve the thermal properties whereas this might decrease the tensile strength of BMCs. The experimental results also indicated the influence of mass fraction of alumina filler content on properties of BMCs.