Fire Testing Analysis of Discarded Fishnet Composites with Glass Fiber and Epoxy

Authors -Assistant Professor E.Bravin Daniel, R.Jerlin, R.Radhu, R.L.Ajin, R.K.Arun

Abstract- – This study explores the fire resistance and mechanical behavior of composite materials fabricated using discarded fishnets, glass fiber, and epoxy resin. Aiming to promote environmental sustainability and material circularity, discarded nylon-based fishnets were repurposed as partial reinforcements to substitute glass fiber in epoxy composites. The composites were fabricated using vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM), incorporating additional materials like lime-treated sugarcane bagasse to enhance structural integrity and fire retardancy. The thermal stability and fire performance of the composites were evaluated using Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI), UL 94 vertical burning tests, cone calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). SEM and XRD analyses were employed to investigate fiber-matrix interactions and char formation after combustion. Mechanical properties, including tensile, flexural, and impact strength, were assessed along with dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to evaluate viscoelastic behavior. The results show significant improvements in fire resistance, particularly with a 5% lime water treatment, achieving LOI values of up to 29.8%. This investigation demonstrates the potential of discarded fishnets and agricultural residues in creating fire-safe, sustainable composites suitable for marine, structural, and transportation applications.

DOI: /10.61463/ijset.vol.10.issue2.222