Ultrasonic characterization of the mechanical properties of polyester resin/ignimbrite stone powder composite mortars

Abstract The elastic properties of Polyester Resin (PR)/Ignimbrite Stone Powder (ISP) composite mortars were determined by measuring ultrasonic wave velocities in the mortars. In the production of composite mortars, ISP with various particle sizes and polyester resin as a matrix were used. The viscoelastic properties of pure PR and PR/ISP composites, such as storage (E′) and loss modulus (E″), damping factor (tanδ) and glass transition temperature (Tg) were determined using Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA). Within the scope of the research, structural characterizations and microscopic surface structures of pure PR and PR/ISP composite mortars were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), respectively. The energy transmission coefficients of 5 MHz ultrasonic waves in air at 25°C were found to be 4.9834 × 10⁻⁴ for pure PR and 2.6482 × 10⁻⁴ for composite mortars with a particle size of 250 μm (CM250), respectively. Based on the analysis of SEM images of materials, including density, ultrasonic velocities, mechanical properties, reflection (R) and transmission (T) coefficients, research findings established CM250 mortar as the optimal choice for restoring heritage structures. Highlights Polyester Resin/Ignimbrite Stone Powder composite mortars were produced. Dynamic mechanical analysis and ultrasonic methods were performed. Storage modulus, loss modulus, and loss tangent values were determined. Composite mortars showed higher elastic and acoustic properties than pure resin.