A study on: Impact on novel clay dispersion on mechanical, thermal and vibration properties of glass fiber‐reinforced interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) hybrid composites

Abstract In this study, the effects of various weight percentages of montmorillonite nanoclay particulates (0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%) are fabricated using the hand‐layup technique, and their physical properties are thoroughly examined. To accurately extract the specific qualities of the matrix materials, the concept of interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) is implemented by blending 70% epoxy and 30% polyurethane, thereby achieving meticulous control over the individual matrix properties. Besides, E‐glass fiber (biaxial woven mat) is selected as the reinforcement to provide structural rigidity to the IPN laminate. As well, to comprehensively evaluate the mechanical properties of the nanoclay and E‐glass fiber‐reinforced composites, a series of tests are conducted according to ASTM standards. These tests included dynamic mechanical analysis (with a tan δ value of 0.171), tensile strength (345.71 MPa), flexural strength (312.67 MPa), impact strength (22 kJ/m 2 ), heat deflection analysis (HDT at 88°C), and free vibration analysis (with natural frequencies of Mode I—25.12 Hz, Mode II—158.36 Hz, Mode III—424.87 Hz, and Mode IV—736.72 Hz). Out the study, reveals that, incorporating 5% nanoclay significantly enhanced all measured properties to their maximum extent. Additionally, to gain a better understanding of the micromechanics between the fiber, particulates, and matrix, the fractured specimens are thoroughly analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Also, study aims to employ nanoclay‐incorporated composite materials in various advanced applications such as packaging delivery systems, military systems, magnetic shielding operations, detectors, and information technology industries. Highlights Utilization of nanoclay significantly enhances the strength of composites. IPN laminates were fabricated with filler loads ranging from 0% to 7%. Mechanical properties of IPN laminates have been comprehensively investigated. DMA and vibration tests conducted to assess the aptness of the filler inclusion. SEM analyses clearly revealed superior compactness with 5% nanoclay addition.