Mechanical and Electrical Properties of Surface-Modified Kaolinite- Polyester Particulate Composites

Clay-polyester particulate composites are prepared using surface modified kaolinite par ticles, the modification being conducted by a controlled heat treatment technique. Physical and mechanical properties of the composite containing different percentages of both mod ified and unmodified clay particles are compared. It is found that composites containing modified clays showed higher density, higher compressive strength, abrasion resistance and electrical resistivity over the composites containing unmodified clay. These differ ences have been attributed to changes that may have taken place in surface area, adhesion characteristics and degree of dispersion as revealed by microstructural and other studies.