In addition, the morphology of plasterboard at different fly ash contents was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also, chemical resistance of plasterboard was evaluated from the weight change in different chemical environment. | Vietnam Journal of Chemistry, International Edition, 55(5): 545-551, 2017 DOI: Effect of fly ash on mechanical properties and morphology of plasterboard based on recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) Thien An H Phung1, Dong Quy Hoang1, Bui Duy Du2,3* 1 University of Science, VNU-HCM 2 Institute of Applied Material Science, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology 3 Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology Received 15 August 2017; Accepted for publication 20 October 2017 Abstract The purpose of this study was to synthesize plasterboard based on recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and fly ash. The molecular weight determination of unsaturated polyester (UP) from recycled PET was performed by functional titration method. The effect of initiator, benzoyl peroxide (BPO) on the curing kinetic of UP from recycled PET was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and at 2 phr BPO led to good curing process. The content of fly ash (50, 100, 150, 200 phr) at 2007 nm in diameter was used and the effect of fly ash content on some properties such as flexural strength, vickers hardness, and impact strength of plasterboard was researched. Test results showed an increase in mechanical properties, especially at 150 and 175 phr filler amount. In addition, the morphology of plasterboard at different fly ash contents was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also, chemical resistance of plasterboard was evaluated from the weight change in different chemical environment. Keywords. Unsaturated polyester, Recycled PET, Fly ash, Plasterboard. 1. INTRODUCTION Plasterboard panels are industrial building components. They are made in factories by locking a thin layer of gypsum (hydrated calcium sulfate) and additives between two cardboard sheets to create thin panels. Plasterboard is often mixed with fiber (typically paper and/or fiberglass), plasticizer, foaming agent, .
