Characterization of compression strength of granite-epoxy composites using design of experiments

This paper presents a processing study of the polymer matrix composite (PMC) developed with an epoxy polymeric matrix reinforced with particulate ceramic granite. This PMC composite has been reported to be used as structural parts of machine tools and Coordinate Measuring Machines due to its superior vibration damping characteristics and reduced processing cycle over cast iron. The investigated processing variables were epoxy content and particle size and the mechanical characterization was carried out by compressive tests. Rejects of granite with particle size smaller than 500 µm were prepared by crushing, milling and classification operations. The powder was mixed with different compositions of epoxy resin, between 15 and 20% in weight. An experiment was planned and executed according to the Factorial design technique using two variables at two levels. The obtained cylindrical samples were submitted to compressive strength tests and the results showed a maximum resistance of 114.23 MPa at 20 wt. (%) epoxy, value close to that of the literature