Evaluating Fiber Volume Fraction and Defects in Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites for T Joint applications

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Special Issue 01 | Page : 1222 1235
    By

    Sachin Yadav,

  • Ramkisan S. Pawar,

  • Vithoba. Tale,

  • Amogh Sambare,

  • Ritesh Fegade,

  • Somnath Kolgiri,

  1. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Parvatibai Genba Moze College of Engineering, Wagholi, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  2. Principal, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Padmabhooshan Vasantdada Patil Institute of Technology, Bavdhan, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Rajarshi Shahu College of Engineering, Tathawade, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  4. Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering Deen Dayal Upadhyay KAUSHAL Kendra, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Chh. Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, India
  5. Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Parvatibai Genba Moze College of Engineering, Wagholi, Pune, Maharashtra, India
  6. Principal, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Parvatibai Genba Moze College of Engineering, Wagholi, Pune, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have been integral to industries such as aviation, aerospace, shipbuilding, and automotive due to their strength, durability, lightweight, and corrosion resistance. This study examines the production and microstructural analysis of polymer composites using FRP and manual lamination methods. While manual lamination is quick and economical, it relies on operator skill, resulting in low mechanical properties. Microstructure analysis via 3D optical and scanning electron microscopes revealed that structural defects, including voids and pores from incomplete matrix infiltration, significantly reduce composite strength. Comparative analysis showed composite laminates had twice as many defects as FRP. Evaluating fiber volume fraction in the matrix, influenced by microstructural space selection, is vital for assessing composite quality. This research highlights the importance of advancing manufacturing processes to reduce defects and improve the structural integrity of composite materials. Microstructural analysis plays a vital role in achieving this optimization. To investigate the composite T-joints, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) along with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS) were utilized. These methods offered in-depth information about the elemental composition, distribution, and bonding characteristics at the joint interface. To evaluate the mechanical performance of the composite T-joints, a series of mechanical tests were conducted, including tensile testing, three-point bending tests, Shore hardness tests, and water absorption tests. The combined results offer a comprehensive understanding of the structural integrity, durability, and environmental resistance of the composite T-joints, contributing to their potential application in load-bearing and moisture-prone environments.

Keywords: Composite materials, PVC (polyvinyl chloride), epoxy matrix, composite T-joint.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Sachin Yadav, Ramkisan S. Pawar, Vithoba. Tale, Amogh Sambare, Ritesh Fegade, Somnath Kolgiri. Evaluating Fiber Volume Fraction and Defects in Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites for T Joint applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):1222-1235.
How to cite this URL:
Sachin Yadav, Ramkisan S. Pawar, Vithoba. Tale, Amogh Sambare, Ritesh Fegade, Somnath Kolgiri. Evaluating Fiber Volume Fraction and Defects in Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites for T Joint applications. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):1222-1235. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=236735


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Special Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 14
Special Issue 01
Received 16/08/2025
Accepted 15/09/2025
Published 11/02/2026
Publication Time 179 Days
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