Falling weight impact response of jute/methacrylated soybean oil bio-composites under low velocity impact loading

In this study, impact performance of bio-composites fabricated from jute/methacrylated soybean oil (MSO) subjected to low-velocity impact loading is presented. The composite laminates were fabricated using compression moulding technique and their thickness and weave architectures effect on the impact response were investigated and the experimental observations are reported. From the results obtained, it was observed that fibre orientation and thickness variation have a significant influence on the impact resistance of jute/MSO composite material. The results show that the total absorbed energy and maximum peak load increase linearly with an increase in the thickness. Among the composite samples investigated where thickness comprised of: 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 mm, a composite reinforced with 46 yarns per 10 cm weft and 50 warp (W2-3 mm thick) is found to have highest resistance to impact damage compared to 32 and 15 yarn per 10 cm weft samples. This was attributed to the improved fibre/matrix interface as a result of surface treatment of jute fibres and the fibre architectures effect which create the cross-over points which act as stress distributors. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.