Mechanical and thermal studies on epoxy toluene oligomer‐modified epoxy resin/marble waste composites

Abstract In this research, marble dust waste was recycled as raw material for the preparation of composite materials. Epoxy toluene oligomer (ETO) was synthesized from toluene and epichlorohydrin, which was used as a comatrix in 50 wt% with commercial epoxy resin (ER). Its chemical structure was characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and chemical analyses. The rigid filler used in epoxy polymer matrix was the marble processing waste obtained from wastewater using different coagulants, such as sepiolite, zeolite, or pumice. The thermal and mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated with thermogravimetric and mechanical analyses. The results showed that the marble wastes with all coagulants can significantly improve the thermal stability of an ER–ETO matrix at temperatures above 350°C. Composites exhibited a higher thermal degradation temperature with a much higher char yield. Surface hardness and tensile strength of the composites were higher than those of pure epoxy polymer matrix, as well. Scanning electron microscopy was used for the characterization of surface and cross‐sections of the composites to verify the results. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers