Evaluating the mechanical properties of E-Glass fiber/carbon fiber reinforced interpenetrating polymer networks

Abstract

SbstractA series of vinyl ester and polyurethane interpenetrating polymer networks were prepared by changing the component ratios of VER (Vinyl ester) and PU (Polyurethane) and the polymerization process was confirmed with Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy. IPN (Inter Penetrating Polymer Network -VER/PU) reinforced Glass and carbon fiber composite laminates were made using the Hand lay up technique. The Mechanical properties of the E-glass and carbon fiber specimens were compared from tests including Tensile, Compressive, Flexural, ILSS (Inter Laminar Shear Strength), Impact & Head Deflection Test (HDT). The IPN Reinforced Carbon fiber specimen showed better results in all the tests than E-Glass fibre reinforced IPN laminate with same thickness of the specimen, according to ASTM standards. It was found that the combination of 60%VER and 40%PU IPN exhibits better impact strength and maximum elongation at break, but at the slight expense of mechanical properties such as tensile, compressive, flexural, ILSS properties. The morphology of the unreinforced and reinforced composites was analyzed with help of scanning electron microscopy.

Finite Element Analysis of IPN Reinforced Woven Fabric Composite

“…By using Universal Testing Machine (Instron Model) the mechanical properties of E-Glass fiber reinforced IPN were investigated. The tensile test procedure was followed as per ASTM D 3039 [9][10].…”

“…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].…”

“…for the corresponding 30%PU, 40%PU and 50%PU respectively. The presence of the side ester group in IPNs noticeably maintains and creates the wide the gap between the IPN molecules, by providing the enough free volume effect in bulky groups, this was the reason behind that of the energy absorption (Impact modulus), when PU loading increases [10,18]. Again this (higher toughness value) effect proves that, there was permanent entanglement between the VER and PU.…”

“…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

“…Moreover, polymeric matrix material often plasticized, swelled and softenend when subjected into hygrothermal environment. The primary degradation or deterioration of polymeric resin leads to weak interface bond between the fibre-resin bonds [9,10] .…”