ABSTRACT A customary ratio of vinyl ester (VER) and Polyurethane (PU) resin were chosen as the matrix material (blend) to attain the complete Interpenetrating Polymer Networks (IPN). In this course of research, the mechanical properties of the Banana fiber reinforced IPN (blend) matrix were thoroughly investigated by precisely varying the loading of polyurethane into vinylester as 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% PU respectively. Besides that, the fabricated banana fiber reinforced polyurethane loaded IPN laminate were experimentally investigated in order to characterize the strength of the laminate as per the ASTM standards. The test results exhibit that, strain rate of the laminate increases to many folds as compared (Tensile 0% PU - 0.45% & 50% PU - 3.1%, Flexural 0% PU – 0.62% & 50% PU – 3.73%) with the neat vinylester resin based banana fiber reinforced laminate. In addition to that, it also increases the impact strength and moisture resistance (Impact 0% PU – 2.93 kJ/m2 & 50% PU - 8.01 kJ/m2, Moisture 0% PU – 0.42% & 50% PU – 0.96%) of the IPN laminate considerably depends upon the loading of the polyurethane. As well as to validate further, the fractured surfaces were assessed through Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Finally the experimental values were also cross-verified by analytical simulation software by using ANSYS. Finally, the cross-verification proved that both the results of experimental and FEA analysis of the material were in good co-relation with each other.

In this work, various proportionate (0%, 1%, 3% 5% & 7%) of titanium di-oxide nano-filler was utilized as particulate matter along with the sisal/jute fiber reinforcement, in the view to increase the physical properties of the composite materials. Beside, as matrix material the mixture of Epoxy (E) and Polyurethane (PE) was chosen with the proportionate of 70 and 30 wt.% respectively, in order to extract the specific qualities of both the matrices to achieve the interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs). Moreover, to exactly find out the thermo-mechanical characteristics of the sisal/jute fiber reinforced IPN composites, tests like thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile, flexural, Impact, short beam strength and water absorption tests were carried out as per standards. It was found that, incorporation of 5% of TiO2, increases the mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, impact and short beam strength. Similarly, incorporation of TiO2 into IPN matrix enhances the thermal stability and water absorption resistance. All the obtained values of various filler weight % of TiO2 were compared with each other against with and without particulate incorporated IPN laminate in the purpose of using the same in construction industries.