Properties of polymer composites based on bisphenol A epoxy resins with original/modified steel slag

Recently, many inorganic solid wastes have accumulated as a byproduct in several industries and their storage is one of the major problems. Among these wastes, steel slag has attracted attention to utilize with different purposes. In this study, original steel slag (OS) and modified steel slag (MS) were evaluated as a filler to prepare low‐cost epoxy composites. The effect of components on the properties of steel slag/epoxy composites (SECs) was investigated with various analyses and tests. Physicomechanical and thermal properties of the SECs were compared with each other and neat epoxy resin (ER). Good dispersion of OS and MS in the ER matrix was determined with X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Tensile strength, Young modulus, and hardness values of the SECs were enhanced after modification of OS. Any change on adhesion and corrosion resistance of the SECs was not observed; however water sorption percent was increased with the addition of components. As per thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and vicat softening temperature (VST) analyses, SECs cured with anhydride showed higher decomposition temperature than the other hardener. Also, PEG addition slightly decreased thermal stability of the SECs. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:513–521, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers