An inclusive study on hygrothermal aging effects on tribological and physical properties of E‐glass fiber reinforced interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) composites

Abstract Nowadays, polymeric composite materials are principally utilized in most structural and wear applications. Considerable amounts of foregoing works have emphasized the performance of polymeric composites subjected to (dry) sliding wear conditions, especially those strengthened with fiber reinforcements and other filler materials. Also, another omission has been witnessed regarding the materials while subjected to hygrothermal environments. In this study, the influence of hygrothermal (accelerated) aging on mechanical and tribological factors has been completely analyzed on the E‐glass reinforced interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) composite laminates. Moreover, to additionally strengthen the IPN laminate, nanoclay filler materials have been infused into the matrix materials, such as 0%, 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9%. As the IPN matrix material, a blending of 70% epoxy and 30% polyurethane has been chosen. Additionally, in order to thoroughly investigate the physical strength of the IPN laminates during the hygrothermal aging, tests like water absorption, dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, tensile test, and wear analysis have been conducted on dry specimens and samples subjected to hygrothermal aging environments by placing the laminates in temperatures of 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C. As a result, it has been found that dry specimens with a nanoclay proportion of 5% dispersion have apparently excelled in all the investigations conducted on the IPN specimens rather than the hygrothermal aging specimens. Also, to understand the microscopic changes in the laminates, scanning electron microscopic investigations were also carried out to explore the possibility of usage of the laminates in marine applications. Highlights Nanoclay dispersion improved the IPN composites' mechanical and thermal stability. Filler levels ranged from 0% to 9% in epoxy‐polyurethane IPN matrices. Tests evaluated dry and aged composites at 50°C, 60°C, and 70°C. Optimal properties are observed in composites with 5% nanoclay filler. SEM analysis revealed enhanced microstructural integrity with nanoclay inclusion.