THE EFFECT OF ADDING POLYMER COMPOUNDS TO METALS ON ITS MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Abstract

Metals, especially iron, are the basis of most industries, especially metal industries. Since the general trend now in all countries and all sectors is to achieve sustainability, whether economic, environmental, or social sustainability, it was natural to search for new ways and methods to develop and improve both properties of metals, whether mechanical or physical. Adding polymer compounds to metals improves their mechanical properties and increases the strength of the metal by distributing stresses more uniformly, which reduces the possibility of fractures and cracks, and also increases the durability of metals by improving their ability to withstand repeated loads without breaking. It also increases the hardness of metals by improving their resistance to deformation. Polymer compounds increase the shock resistance of metals by absorbing impact energy. In this study, Polymer compounds were added to iron by dissolving the polymer in molten iron, and then the change in mechanical properties such as hardness, durability, shock resistance, and strength was studied, the experimental methodology in this study was used. The results showed that adding polymer compounds (Polyethylene, polyester, glass fiber reinforced polymers) to iron improved iron's main mechanical properties. The all properties were increased, strength by 20:25%, toughness by 15:23%, hardness by 12.5:28%, and impact resistance by 15:40%. This means that adding polymer compounds to iron can be an effective way to improve its mechanical properties.