Toughened bioepoxy blends and composites based on poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) triblock copolymer and sisal fiber fabrics: A new approach

Abstract As one of the goals in recent research and development is to use eco-friendly materials from sustainable resources to manufacture a product material. Bioepoxy resin is a relevant choice to maximize the natural content of the composites along with natural fiber as a reinforcement material. This work presents the effect of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) triblock copolymer in bioepoxy and bioepoxy composites prepared by sisal fibers. Incorporation of the triblock copolymer in bioepoxy resin enhances the tensile, flexural, and impact properties. The viscoelastic properties show good plasticization of the triblock copolymer with the bioepoxy matrix. The contact angle increases in the presence of the triblock copolymer, while the water absorption is marginally decreased. To the best of our knowledge, the modification of poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) triblock copolymer with bioepoxy resin has not been reported to date. Further poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(propylene glycol)-block-poly(ethylene glycol) triblock copolymer was used as a modifier for sisal fiber fabrics-reinforced polymer composites. The tensile, flexural, and impact properties improve to some extent.