Prediction of the Viscoelastic Properties of Corn Husk Film-Reinforced Epoxy Laminate Composites Using Modified Halpin–Tsai Model

In this paper, the viscoelastic properties of the corn husk film (CHF)-reinforced laminate composites using different grades of epoxies are predicted based on the modified Halpin–Tsai model as well as Einstein’s equations. These equations are developed by taking into consideration of the volume fraction of the reinforcement, to predict the viscoelastic properties of the CHF epoxy composites, from the theoretical expressions. The results obtained from the theoretical expressions are compared with the actual values, in order to understand which theoretical expression gives values nearest to the actual ones. The viscoelastic properties of the composites produced by using different epoxy resins are predicted after determining the volume fraction of the CHF. The prediction of the properties of the composites, using Einstein’s equations and Halpin–Tsai equations based upon different epoxy resins, shows a good correlation with experimental results. The study revealed that Halpin–Tsai equations are more helpful in predicting the viscoelastic behavior of the composites, especially for continuous reinforcement as it takes into consideration the geometry factor of the reinforcement. Results can be predicted for any volume fraction of the reinforcement, which is a crucial factor for the commercial relevance of a product. These predictions may be beneficial, from the viewpoint of defining the end-use applications for the reinforced composites.