Formulation and characterisation of jute fabric-linen fabric-fumed silica-epoxy hybrid laminates

Due to strict regulations, the reuse of industrial by-product as filler material in developing any novel composites along with using natural fibres as reinforcements has become increasingly mandatory in recent times. Hybrid composite laminates are developed by combining organic natural fibres and in-organic filler material in polymer matrix. Hybrid laminates are formulated by reinforcing 10 wt.% of linen fabrics and 10 wt.% of jute fabrics in fumed silica (1 wt.%, 2 wt.% and 3 wt.%) incorporated epoxy matrix. The hand lay-up method is utilised for polymer hybrid laminates' formulation. Mechanical properties (such as tensile, flexural and impact) and thermal stability of the formulated hybrid laminates are assessed. Morphological analysis of the hybrid laminates is analysed. The hybrid laminate formulated using 2 wt.% fumed silica incorporated has registered superior mechanical properties. Due to agglomeration, the mechanical properties diminished beyond 2 wt.% fumed silica addition. Whereas 3 wt.% fumed silica incorporated hybrid laminate has registered maximum onset temperature of degradation.

Automated summary

Due to strict regulations, the reuse of industrial by-product as filler material and the use of natural fibers as reinforcements are mandatory in developing novel composites. Hybrid composite laminates were formulated by combining organic natural fibers and inorganic filler material in a polymer matrix, and their mechanical properties and thermal stability were evaluated. The hybrid laminate formulated with 2 wt.% fumed silica showed superior mechanical properties, while the addition of more than 2 wt.% fumed silica led to decreased mechanical properties. The hybrid laminate incorporated with 3 wt.% fumed silica exhibited the highest onset temperature of degradation.