Calcined Colemanite as Filler for Epoxy Composite Materials

Abstract

Substantial boron compounds such as colemanite, ulexite and tincalconite are found in Turkey with a worldwide share of 72% in terms of B2O3 content. They are utilized in agriculture, textile, cleaning products, and in glass, ceramic, cement and nuclear industry. In this study, epoxy composite materials including calcined colemanite as filler at different ratios (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 wt%) were prepared after calcination of colemanite at 430°C for 75 min. The amorphous structure of the epoxy composite materials was determined from XRD analysis. The dispersion of filler in the epoxy resin was investigated with SEM analysis. The mechanical, water sorption and corrosion resistance properties were examined according to ASTM Standards. Thermal properties were investigated with TGA and DSC analyses. The usage of environmentally friendly calcined colemanite was found to enhance the properties of polymeric materials.