Influence of Pumice Particle Incorporation on the Mechanical Properties of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites (GFRP)

Glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites are widely employed in diverse applications due to their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, cost-effectiveness, and overall performance. However, these composites are susceptible to degradation over time. This research delves into the influence of incorporating pumice particle as a polyester matrix filler on the mechanical properties of GFRP composites. GFRP composites with pumice particle weight fractions of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% were fabricated using the hand-layup and press molding techniques. The mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated through flexural and impact testing, while fracture morphology was observed using SEM analysis. The flexural strength of GFRP composites exhibited an initial enhancement with the addition of 2% pumice particle, reaching a value of 179.53 MPa. However, a further increase in pumice particle content led to a decline in flexural strength. The impact strength of GFRP composites with 2% pumice particle improved with a value of 72.92 kJ/m2 compared to the unfilled composite (69.22 kJ/m2). However, adding more than 2% pumice particle decreased impact strength, with the lowest value of 53.90 kJ/m2 observed at a 10% weight fraction. Microstructural analysis revealed the presence of extensive fiber damage in the GFRP composites, indicating compromised mechanical strength. Fiber pull-out phenomena were observed at 10% pumice content, suggesting inadequate adhesion between pumice and the UPR matrix.