Mechanical behavior of isothalic polyester-based untreated woven jute and glass fabric hybrid composites

In this study, the effect of hybridization on mechanical properties of untreated (as received) woven jute and glass fabric-reinforced isothalic polyester composites has been evaluated experimentally. Hybrid laminates are fabricated using hand lay-up technique. The specimen preparation and testing are carried out as per ASTM standards. The values of mechanical properties of hybrid composites plotted against glass fiber weight fraction show significant improvement after the inclusion of glass fiber. Addition of 16.5 wt% glass fiber, in a total fiber weight fraction of 42% enhances the tensile, flexural, and interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) by 37, 31.23, and 17.6% respectively. The behavior of the composite under different tests is analyzed with the help of performance curves. Water absorption plots for different periods of immersion indicated that jute-glass hybrid composites offer better resistance to water absorption. The results of fractographic tests carried out to study the modes of fracture, fiber-matrix adhesion, and jute-glass layer adhesion are also presented.