ABSTRACT
Polymer matrix composites have wide applications in the automotive, sports, and household appliance industries due to their lightweight and high-strength characteristics. The selection of reinforcement materials is based on the strength and application of composite material. Fly ash composites are preferred in some applications due to their better mechanical properties, low cost, and low density. Fly ash is a waste by-product of thermal power plants and is easily available at transportation cost. In the present chapter, the composite was manufactured by the hand layup method using epoxy as matrix and chopped E-glass fiber as reinforcement. The epoxy was replaced with fly ash as a filler, and the impact of water particles was observed. The concentration of fly ash particulates was varied (0, 4, 8, and 12 wt.%) as filler in the composite. The impact of water particles was investigated for dimensional stability as per ASTM D570 standards. It was observed from experimental work that dimensional stability of fly ash–filled E-glass fiber–reinforced epoxy-based composites was better at 0 wt.% of particulates, but cost-wise, it is better at the highest percentage of concentration of fly ash.
