Evaluation of tensile strength and flexural strength of GFRP composites in different types of matrix polymers

Purpose: Resin selection has a crucial role in determining the properties and performance of GFRP composites; this study aims to investigate the effects of different resin types, specifically epoxy, bisphenol, ripoxy, and polyester, on the mechanical strength of GFRP composites. Design/methodology/approach: The composites were fabricated using the conventional method of hand lay-up technique with a fiber to matrix ratio of 60:40 wt%. The glass fibre laminate arrangement consists of 4 layers, two layers of Woven Roving Mat (WRM) fibres (0°/90°) and 2 layers on the outer side of the Chopped Strand Mat (CSM). The composite specimens were molded using the ASTM D-838 tensile test standard and ASTM D-790 for the bending test. Findings: The research results found that the maximum tensile strength was obtained by GFRP composite with ripoxy matrix type of 181.6 MPa, strain of 0.028%, and flexural strength of 1387 MPa. Composites using polyester matrices can generally be classified as splitting in multiple areas where failure occurs in various areas, but the composite has very high strength. Research limitations/implications: Material experiments conducted on a scientific laboratory scale may not fully reflect the behaviour of composites in actual conditions. Furthermore, aspects such as environmental influences, sustained stresses, or fatigue effects may need to be considered in further research. This evaluation also does not consider the effects of long-term exposures or ageing on the mechanical properties of GFRP composites. Investigating the behaviour of materials over long periods can provide important insights into their durability and reliability in practical applications. Practical implications: In GFRP composites, the application of resin to the fibres is critical. The performance and mechanical characteristics of GFRP composites are largely determined by the polymer matrix. Composites with epoxy, polyester, or bisphenol matrices can be compared to composites with the most equivalent tensile strength values, but composites with ripoxy matrices can be suggested. However, the GFRP composite with bisphenol matrix has an excellent bending strength value. As a result, numerous applications exist for implementing matrix selection in producing GFRP composites. Originality/value: The reliability of the tensile properties of GFRP composites was obtained using the ripoxy matrix type. Furthermore, the reliability of the flexural properties of the composites was obtained using the bisphenol matrix type.