Studies on characterization of composite materials components for part production in agricultural industry

Introduction. Until now, the use of composite materials has not received due attention because of the fact that their behaviour under the effect of certain kinds of loads is difficult enough to predict. However, in connection with the discovery and production of new types of materials, they begin to play an increasing role because of their high mechanical and physical properties. The objective of the conducted investigations is to study properties of the composite materials components for their application in the part production of agricultural machinery. Particularly, the task is to assist manufacturers in getting access to new technologies, to demonstrate the possibility of localizing the composite materials production. The considered composites can be used for the production of pipes and ripper tools. Materials and Methods. The components available at the domestic market are studied. Fiberglass is selected as a material, and polyester - as a binder. In addition, for each type of material, studies have been carried out to determine the modulus of elasticity and density in tension, bending and shear, and also the tensile strength under these types of deformation. Research Results. The experimental results allow arguing that fiberglass is the best from the examined components (fiberglass, carbon, and layered carbon) according to its physical and mechanical properties. The binder material density value obtained experimentally is 1183 kg / m3, and the experimental value of the tensile modulus E = 1585 MPa. The experiments on testing physical and mechanical characteristics of the binder component have shown that polyester corresponds to the standard by 85%, and this is the best result. Discussion and Conclusions. The mechanical properties of a composite material made in the form of a stack of fiberglass layers and a binder, dampening polyester, were considered. In this case, the values of practical and theoretical results were compared. As a result, the testing on the material static tension has given the experimental value of the elasticity modulus of Ecm = 4836 MPa, and the tensile modulus - Еc = 1530 MPa. This differs from the value given for fiberglass by the cutting and random mixing technique ( Еc = 3200 MPa).