A comparative analysis of physico-mechanical, water absorption, and morphological behaviour of surface modified woven jute fiber composites

During the last few decades, some ecological concerns have resulted in an improved interest in the natural fiber reinforced polymer composites because of their low cost, low density, lightweight, nontoxic, combustible, biodegradable, and high specific mechanical properties. Among various natural fibers, jute has been widely used for various applications due to its advantages. Currently, jute fiber based composites are mostly used in door panels, automotive parts, household goods, agriculture, and horticulture. Chemical treatments are able to induce fiber modifications that increase their resistance when utilized in composite products. The objective of the present research work is to study the physical, mechanical, and water absorption behaviour of jute fiber reinforced by epoxy composites with and without fiber treatment. A series of composites with different fiber content (10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%) is fabricated using a simple hand layup technique. Jute fibers were subjected to chemical modification namely, mercerization (alkali treatment) and benzoylation (benzoyl chloride treatment) to improve the interfacial bonding with the matrix. A comparison has been made between the untreated composites and treated composites. Finally, the surface morphology of fractured surfaces after tensile testing is also examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Experimental results show the significant improvement in mechanical properties for treated fiber composites. As far as the comparison of alkali treatment and benzoyl chloride treatment, the benzoylated jute fiber based composites show the better properties. Improvement in the water absorption resistance has also been recorded for the treated fiber composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2952-2960, 2018. (c) 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers