Mechanical performance of e-glass reinforced polyester resins (isophthalic and orthophthalic) laminate composites used in marine applications

Abstract

This study examined the mechanical performance of two polyester resins (isophthalic and orthophthalic) used to create e-glass-based laminate composites for the marine industry. The current study performed a static analysis of laminate composites using compressive, impact and hardness tests. Single edge-notched beam (SENB) fracture tests under mode I (i.e. opening mode) were performed on e-glass reinforced orthophthalic polyester laminate composites (S1) and e-glass reinforced isophthalic polyester laminate composites (S2) at cryogenic temperature (−10°C), ambient temperature (25°C) and high temperature (100°C). The interaction between fibres and matrix material was studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to examine the substructure of fractured surface. A water absorption test was also performed on the fabricated samples. FTIR study revealed NH stretching, CH bend, CN stretching, C-O-C and CH-stretching. e-Glass isophthalic polyester composites had higher compressive strength, impact strength, hardness, fracture toughness and fracture energy than orthophthalic polyester laminate composites. The decrease in temperature increased the fracture properties. In both types of laminate composites, as the temperature increased, the fracture toughness and fracture energy decreased. The diffusion and permeability coefficients of isophthalic composites were greater than those of orthophthalic-based composites. The crushed fibre, fibre pull-out, riverline, matrix-fibre delamination and debonding are all evident in the fractured surface SEM micrograph.

Evaluation of Performance of Cotton Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites

“…These findings suggest that as the content of cotton fiber reinforcement increases in the composite, the material's water absorption capacity, as well as its ability to allow water to penetrate and diffuse through its structure, also increases. Similar trend was observed by Ojha et al [4].…”

“…In recent years, the pursuit of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials has driven significant interest in the development of composite materials utilizing natural fibers [1][2][3]. Among these alternatives, cotton fibers have emerged as a compelling reinforcement due to their abundance, low cost, and desirable mechanical properties [4]. Cotton, which is a robust natural fiber obtained from plant seeds, offers a multitude of benefits when employed as reinforcement in polymer composites [5].…”