Use of Different Graded Brass Debris in Epoxy-Resin Composites to Improve Mechanical Properties

Abstract

This study deals with the brass debris that is obtained from matte smelting and brass refining of different machining processes, such as grinding operation. The brass debris will be used as fillers in epoxy-resin composites. The common uses of the brass debris are recycling and production of valueadded waste products. In this study, random mixing processes were utilized to prepare(Epoxy / brass) composites by using the brass debris. Three grades of brass debris with different grain size (600, 800 and 1180) μm were used as reinforcement in epoxy resin with weight percentages (2%, 4%, 6% and 8%) respectively. Tensile and impact test were used to evaluate the mechanical specifications and conditions of the composites. The results of the study showed that it is very important to decrease the weight of brass debris added to epoxy resin, in case of coarse grain size. This is to insure appropriate conditions for tensile or impact tests on (Epoxy / Brass debris) composites. On the other hand, the study resulted that very low weight percentages, such as (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%) of metal brass debris, have no significant improvement in toughness, and can significantly reduce the impact absorbed energy (impact toughness) of the composite samples. The best value of the toughness can be obtained with the epoxy-BD600 and weight percent of 8%. This research also has examined the procedure and mechanical behaviour of brass debris grades filled epoxy-resin composites. The results concluded that it will be possible to utilize brass debris as a secondary filler element for composite materials preparation and brass debris production as added-value products.