Weathering behavior of fly-ash jute polymer composite

Polymer composites are in great demand due to their versatility. Their uses as machine components vary from household articles to aerospace applications. The degradation/variation of the mechanical properties of the specimen treated at different environmental/atmospheric conditions are a primary concern when recommending such a composite for particular use. On the other hand, industrial waste, i.e., fly ash generated from thermal power plants which creates environmental threats, need consideration in terms of disposal and/or utility. The present investigation is aimed at processing a composite using fly ash, jute with epoxy (binder), and to study its weathering behavior on mechanical properties such as flexural strength. The fracture surfaces of the specimen were examined under scanning electron microscope (SEM). From this study, it appears that the composite can be successfully used as a structural material in household and automobile application and as a low-cost building material.