Effect of Elastomeric Materials on the Thermo-mechanical Behavior of Fiber-reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract

Different epoxy-based composites were prepared by using Kevlar fibers (KFs) and glass fibers (GFs) as reinforcement. In the first step, modification of EPDM was done by mixing it with MAH and DCP inside internal mixture followed by mixing of modified EPDM into epoxy by using overhead mixer. In the second step, the mixed solution of epoxy and modified EPDM was poured on fabric layers by hand lay-up method. It was followed compression of composites inside compression molding machine. The composites were characterized in terms of tensile test, Charpy impact test, and bending test to access their mechanical properties. Tensile test results have revealed that KFRP compsoites are ductile whereas GFRP composites are brittle. Moreover, it is indicated by tensile and bending results that addition of EPDM has helped to better mechanical behavior of composite structures. Bending test has shown that flexural properties have been bettered due to increased content of EPDM. According to results of Charpy impact test, the impact strength or energy absorption of composites has bettered with the greater content of EPDM. Therefore, it can be said that KFRP composites are stronger as compared to GFRP composites. It is also inferred that addition of EPDM has helped to prepare mechanically strong compsoites.