Student:	Kadir ERBAY
Supervisor:	Assist. Prof. Dr. Hamdullah ÇUVALCI
Department:	Makine Mühendisliği
Institution:	Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences
University:	Karadeniz Technical University, Turkey

Title of the Thesis:	Production of Polymer Based Composite Materials for Gun Bodies and Investigation of Their Properties
Level:	M.Sc.
Acceptance Date:	14/10/2009
Number of Pages:	52
Registration Number:	i2100

Summary:

In this study, a series of polymer based composite materials were produced by pressure

moulding method. The cast polyamide and chopped glass fiber were used as matrix

materials and reinforcement agent respectively in composites. The experimental specimens

which machined from composite materials at different fiber contents were used to

determine mechanical and physical properties of composite materials such as tensile

strength, impact strength, percent elongation, young modulus and density. In addition to

that, fracture surfaces of impact test specimens were examined by a stereo microscope.

It was observed that the mechanical properties of composites increased with the

increasing fiber volume fraction up to 30 %. The mechanical properties of composites

decreased when fiber was added more than 30 %. On the other hand, impact strength of the

composites decreased with the addition of the fiber. It was also found that substantial low

impact results were obtained at the fiber content more than 30 %. In addition to that, the

percent elongation of composites (ductility behavior) continuously decreased with

increasing fiber volume fraction. On the other hand, It was found that young modulus of

composite materials increased with the increase of fiber volume fraction.

As a result of this work, it was determined that the superior mechanical properties of

composite materials containing 30 % fiber volume fraction could be used as gun bodies.

Key Words : Cast Polyamide, Chopped Fiber, Composite Materials,

Fiber Volume Fraction