Shrinkage reduction of thermoset matrix particulate reinforced composites during hardening using low power microwave

[Abstract]: Reinforced composites have become one of the popular construction and manufacturing’s materials used in various industries. In comparison to other materials such as ceramic and plastic, utilizes of composite materials such as Vinyl Ester will gives better quality in terms of strength and toughness. According to the research in Centre of Excellence in Engineered Fiber Composite (CEEFC) in University of Southern Queensland (USQ), it was found that Vinyl Ester shrinks significantly when it is solidified or cured under ambient condition. The main drawbacks of this shrinkage in a composite component are the stresses set up internally. To overcome this, microwave technology has been introduced to reduce its shrinkages by removing some of the stresses. Initially, mixture of VE/FLYASH (33%) was prepared before it is exposed to microwave irradiation, where it causes the shrinkages of VE/FLYASH (33%) to be reduced. In terms of engineering materials, shrinkage reduction in composites imply to less brittleness in within the microstructure of the composites. Consequently, the toughness and other mechanical properties of the cured composites will be improved. Direct Volume Measurement Technique (DVMT) was used to determine the percentage shrinkages before it is justified by Pycnometer Technique