A study on physical and morphological properties of novel bio-cotton/E-glass fiber-reinforced vinyl ester/epoxy resin hybrid interpenetrating polymer networks composites

In this present study, the influence of graphene oxide (GO) in interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) has been proposed. To do the experimental analysis, cotton/E-glass fiber (hybrid) has been chosen as the reinforcing element. As well, a vinyl ester/Epoxy (50:50) matrix blend is chosen as the matrix material. To evaluate the ability of the formed IPN laminate, their physical and dynamic mechanical properties (DMA) is calculated as per the ASTM standards. In addition, to fabricate the specimens, various levels of particulate (GO) like 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, and 7% have been incorporated along with the standard level of vinyl ester and epoxy blend. Moreover, during the detailed examination, it is found that particulate (graphene oxide - GO) successively enhanced the tensile (73.4%), flexural (47.84%), impact (83.3%), heat deflection test (HDT-26.74%)) and DMA (E' - 29%, E" - 63.01% and tan delta - 46.2%) values appropriately, up to the level 5% of addition of particulate into the matrix. Additionally, all obtained values of several proportions have been compared with each other against without particulate hybrid composite. Besides that, to know the interfacial strength between the fiber, particulate, and matrix, fractographic analyses were also carried out. From the studies, it is understood that, up to the level of 5% of GO particulate addition into the matrix, hybrid laminate has shown superior physical and thermal behavior as compared with the remaining proportions.