Studying the Properties of Polymer blends Sheets for Decorative Purposes

Polymeric sheets with different mixing compositions of bakelite and polystyrene were manufactured using the hot pressing method. Microstructure examination, water absorption, impact strength, wear resistance and infrared thermography tests were performed. It was found that there was a homogenous distribution of the bakelite particles in polystyrene and a good bonding was observed between them. Water absorption test showed that the water absorption percent increases with the increase of bakelite material in the blend. Impact test results did not show significant changes.Wear resistance test was carried out at different forces: (5, 10 and 20 N) and different velocities (150, 250 and 350 rpm). It was found that the wear increases with increasing the applied forces and velocities although, wear resistance shows an improvement with increasing of bakelite content.In infrared thermography test was also conducted. It was found that the relative temperature change increases with the increase of bakelite content. Wear resistance and water absorption of the manufactured sheets were compared to the same properties of commercial ceramic tiles (used for decorations) at the same testing conditions. It was found that the water absorption test results for the manufactured sheets are much better than the results of the ceramic tiles test. Moreover, wear resistance test results for the ceramic tiles were close to those of the manufactured sheets when the percent of the bakelite in the blend was 20%, but for higher percentages of bakelite, the wear resistance of the manufactured sheets was better than the tiles.