Analyzing the mechanical behavior of E-glass fibre-reinforced interpenetrating polymer network composite pipe

Abstract

In this study, a mixture of vinyl ester (VER) and polyurethane (PU) prepolymer was used in the field of pipe manufacturing as a matrix material (interpenetrating polymer networks) with E-glass fibre as reinforcement. In order to evaluate the mechanical strength of the fibre-reinforced VER-PU interpenetrating polymer network composite pipe, tests like hydrostatic, hoop, stiffness, and axial compression were conducted systematically with five proportions of PU-loaded VER (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%). It was observed that during the stiffness test, all the PU-loaded VER specimens have regained its original shape, size, and also retains its structural integrity. VER glass fibre composite pipes (0% PU) exhibited crazing, wall delamination, and rupture on compression. With increase in PU content, there were no such effects after the compression, but a slight drop in mechanical properties like hoop, stiffness, and axial compression was observed. The obtained experimental results were found to be in good agreement with finite element analysis data.

Finite Element Analysis of IPN Reinforced Woven Fabric Composite

“…Similarly the impact strength was also analyzed for all the proportions according to the standard of ASTM D256. The dimensions of the samples were 63.0 mm x 12.8 mm x 3.2 mm (length x width x thickness) [10][11][12].…”

“…In order to bring together the advantageous part of both the polymer, the IPNs are formed. Many attempts so far have been done by many researchers in this area to grab the best property of the individual polymer in the name of blending one polymer with another one in the name of IPNs [9][10][11]. To employ the IPN composite in exact usage, it needs the rigorous testament.…”

Influence of water absorption on glass fibre reinforced IPN composite pipes

“…Following that, Vinylester (VER) was added with cobalt naphthenate accelerator, promoter and catalyst as per the manufacturer recommendation of 100/2/2/2. Both the resins were thoroughly mixed [6][7][8] .…”

“…Specimens were completely wiped dry in order to remove surface moisture (moisture absorption subjected specimen) before weighing. Cut edge surfaces were also sealed to avoid the water uptake through the fibre broken region for moisture absorption test [6][7][8] .…”

“…The first diffusion model has been proposed by Fick, by the analogy of heat conduction model. Most of the researchers completely rely on Fick's second law to find out the moisture absorption models [6][7][8] . The rapid study and development in the area of GFRP manufacturing promulgates to understand the behavioral change of the material in different environmental conditions in order to certify for their long-term durability.…”