Evaluation of mechanical properties of acrylated guar gum – unsaturated polyester composites

Guar gum (GG) and its derivatives are commonly used in aqueous solutions as rheology modifiers. The use of polysaccharides as fillers in thermoset polymer composites has as yet not received that attention attributed to other materials. In the present study GG and the effect of acrylation on its filler properties were evaluated. Unsaturated polyester composites were evaluated for their mechanical properties as well as solvent resistance and water absorption. It was observed that the acrylate derivatives with the highest degree of substitution resulted in composites with the best mechanical properties as well as increased toluene and water resistance. Thus, polysaccharides could be used as reinforcing fillers in thermoset composites.