Abstract
Epoxy granite (EG) as a composite material has been attempted to be used in machine foundation. EG demonstrates similar mechanical properties and specific density to light metals, such as aluminium and its alloys. In the present study, we developed light and cost-effective EG composite materials as a new machine element foundation. The EG composite was prepared by blending the epoxy resin (12 wt%) and granite particles by casting route method. The crushed granite particles were sieved and separated into coarse particles 1.18-2.36 mm, medium particles 0.6-1.18 mm and fine particles <= 0.6 mm. The mechanical properties such as compression, bending and single edge notch bending tests were assessed. The results show that the EG composite materials containing the fine granite particles induced the highest compressive (18.1 MPa) and bending (20.1 MPa) strength. In addition, the fracture toughness had the highest value which was about 24.73 MPa root m of the same EG composite material. Our results suggest that the EG composite contains fine granite particles with good mechanical and fracture properties might have a high potential in machine foundation application as an inexpensive material.