Mechanical characteristics of glass fibre reinforced polymer made of furfuryl alcohol bio-resin

Conventional fiber reinforced polymers (FRPs) require polymers such as epoxies that are not biodegradable, which have a significant impact on the environment. This study aims at replacing conventional polymers with bio-polymers which are more sustainable. The study investigates the tensile mechanical properties of glass-FRP (GFRP) laminates fabricated by wet layup using two types of organic furfuryl alcohol bio-resins extracted renewable resources, such as corncobs. Results are compared to control specimens fabricated using conventional epoxy resin. The study investigates the effects of catalyst type and dosage as well as the curing time on the tensile strength and modulus of the GFRP. The study also investigates the optimal overlap splice of the laminates. It was shown that by careful selection of viscosity of bio-resin, and type and dosage of catalyst similar mechanical properties to epoxy-GFRP can be achieved. The optimal catalyst proportion was 3 % by weight. Full strength occurred after 13 days curing but 84 % occurred in 2 days. The optimal lap splice length was 200 mm, however, the maximum strength was only 68 % of the full ultimate tensile strength as bond failure always governs at the splice.