Abstract
Polymer matrix composite (PMC) is advantageous in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) field because of the phenomenal lightweight structural material injunction with the high specific strength/stiffness. In this study, a special type of PMC used in UAV as a structural material has been investigated. The microstructure revealed a uniform distribution of the reinforcement (E-glass fiber) in the matrix (epoxy) fabricated by the lay-up process. The study focuses on adjusting the matrix by investigating the effect of the solvent (methyl hydroxide) on the polymer matrix. Four compositions have been investigated by varying the methyl hydroxide content. Evidence of cross-link increase has been detected by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results show that the net resin achieved higher stability by adding methyl hydroxide in specific amounts that has shown an optimum enhancement on the matrix, reflected by the mechanical testing resulting in tensile strength and flexural strength. Aluminum oxide has been added to the optimum composition as a secondary reinforcement to increase the rigidity explained by the microstructure where a noticeable decrease in tensile/flexural strength is evident in the composite.