Abstract:
In this thesis low cost composite laminates were fabricated and their effectiveness against
high impact was assessed. Glass fiber was used as the fiber and epoxy resin as the binder
to create composite laminates. For enhanced binding properties, hardener and 6% cobalt
were additionally included with the binder. The laminates vary in terms of layer count,
glass fiber type (woven or matt), and curing time. For better comparison between same
type of laminates, a few more variables, including the percentage of hardener, the
quantity of matrix, and the curing time, were held constant. The mechanical properties
were measured giving the Impact test more importance. The mechanical property tests
such as the tensile test, compression test, bending test, Charpy impact test, Izod test, and
free fall impact tests were done according to the different standardized test method. A
laminate with greater performance was found after comparing all the attributes. The
production costs were successfully reduced by the thesis because all the materials were
readily available and locally manufactured with simple setups. The thesis successfully
suggested a possible low-cost production setup for high impact resistant materials.
Description:
The author firstly thanks Almighty Allah for His relentless blessings to complete this
thesis work. The author would like to thank Professor Dr. Afsar Ali, who oversaw his
thesis, for his advice, support, and assistance with this study work. The author would like
to thank his co-supervisor, Prof. Dr. Enamul Hoque, for his consistent oversight,
passionate observations, and direction throughout the thesis. The department's Dean, Brig
Gen Md Humayun Kabir Bhuiyan, psc, whose guidance and support allowed the author to
labor tirelessly and introduce new ideas, is also noteworthy. The author would also like to
recognize the efforts of the lab staff, in particular Sub Asst Engr Mr. Md. Raju Ahmed
and Sub Asst Engr Mr. Dibakar Tarafdar, who assisted with the setup and execution of
experiments for the research work. Last but not the least, the author would like to express
his utmost gratitude to his family members who has been patient and supportive all
through this journey.
