Mechanical and Water Absorption Analysis of Polyester Hybrid Matrix Composite Reinforced with Clay and Carbon Black

This research examines the influence of carbon black (CB) and clay (CL) addition on the mechanical and water absorption behaviour of polyester matrix composite. The aim is to enhance the properties of the polyester matrix for increase service application. The clay was beneficiated to remove impurities of dead decay organic matters and thereafter dried before screening to obtain particle sizes of 660�m while the carbon black was obtained from a petroleum refining company as industrial waste. The carbon black composites (CBC), clay composites (CLC) and hybrid composites (HYC) were fabricated using 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 % wt reinforcement of the particulates. After curing, the samples were tested to determine their tensile, flexural and water absorption potentials. The result shows that the tensile strength of the composites improved when 2 % and 4 % wt reinforcement of Carbon black (CB) and clay particles (CL) were used and as the percentage reinforcement increased their strength values reduces while the flexural test also shows a decrease in strength value as the percentage particle reinforcements increased. The water absorption results shows a similar trend pattern and from the test it was found that, composites having 8 % clay, 2 % carbon black and 2 % hybrid has the lowest affinity for water.