Hybrid composites with discarded fishnet and polyester: a novel boat-building material

ABSTRACTMultifilament discarded fishnets of various mesh sizes were collected from the coastal areas of southern tip of India. These fishnets were substituted as an alternate material for glass fibre in the polyester matrix for composite manufacturing of fishing boats. SEM images were recorded for various composites, which revealed the interaction of reinforced fibres with the polyester matrix. These prepared composites were evaluated by mechanical testing methods such as tensile strength, flexural strength and impact resistance. Dynamic mechanical analysis was also performed on the composite, which gives various thermomechanical properties such as storage modulus, loss modulus and damping factor. Dynamic analysis reveals the compatibility of discarded fishnet as a partial substitute for glass fibre in composite manufacturing. The reuse of discarded fishnet in the manufacturing of composites also mitigates the problem of waste disposal.