Experimental investigation on thermomechanical behavior of glass fiber reinforced polymer composites

Abstract

This research focuses on the mechanical and thermal characterization of vacuum-assisted resin transfer moulded epoxy-based glass fiber-reinforced composites. Mechanical testing, including tensile and flexural tests, and heat dissipation analysis under the applied load, are used to analyse the prepared specimens. A thermal imaging camera is used to measure temperature changes to determine energy release, which significantly impacts the composite's surface energy in terms of heat. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were used to examine the thermal stability and decomposition properties. It is noted that the glass transition temperature is 371.15°C, and the decomposition temperature is 380.90°C. Under a scanning electron microscope, the fractured specimens are examined for failure analysis. According to these results, the manufactured composite is suitable for various structural engineering applications.