Olivine Particle Reinforced Polyphenylene Sulfide Matrix Composites

Polyphenylene sulfide is a semicrystalline thermoplastic polymer. It offers an excellent balance of properties, including chemical resistance, high temperature resistance, dimensional stability, electrical characteristics and flowability. Polyphenylene sulfide must be filled with reinforced agents, such as fibers and fillers, to overcome its inherent brittleness. Because of its low viscosity, polyphenylene sulfide can be molded with high loading of fillers and reinforcements. These fillers and reinforcements will make a difference in the electrical properties, strength, dimensional stability, surface properties and overall cost. Because of its inherent flame retardancy, polyphenylene sulfide is ideal for high temperature electrical applications. On the other hand, olivine is volcanic based mineral with porous structure, which consists of forsterite (Mg₂SiO₄) and fayalite (Fe₂SiO₄). Both, its lower price compared to other minerals and harmlessness to human health increase the usage of olivine from day to day. For this reason olivine reinforced polyphenylene sulfide composite samples were manufactured at various weight ratios (0, 1, 3, 5 and 10 wt.%). Mechanical and scratch properties of samples were investigated and according to test results, it is concluded that olivine mineral can be used as a reinforcing agent material instead of other conventional fillers.