Water absorption effect on the in-plane shear properties of jute-glass-carbon-reinforced composites using Iosipescu test

The main objective of the present paper is to study the water absorption of jute-glass-carbon-reinforced epoxy composites and its subsequent effect on the in-plane shear performance of these composites. The effects of the reinforcement hybridization, stacking sequence and relative fabric amounts on the shear behavior of dry and wet conditioned composite specimens are reported and discussed. Composites have been fabricated in inter-ply configuration using the hand lay-up process. The prepared specimens have been subjected to distilled water and sea water immersion at room temperature for 60 days. Results indicated that water uptake of jute-reinforced composite and its hybrids with glass and/or carbon follows Fickian-like behavior. Water uptake induces a significant decrease in the in-plane shear strength. Hybridizing jute fabric with glass and/or carbon fabrics improves the in-plane shear properties of both dry and wet specimens. The stacking sequence and relative fabric amounts have a noticeable effect on the studied shear properties. Also, the hybrid composite with jute as facings and glass as core, JGJ, offers the most balanced set of properties on a cost-effective basis compared to the other studied hybrids.