Effect of fibers treatment on dynamic mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy hybrid composites

Abstract

Epoxy hybrid composites fabricated by reinforcing 2‐hydroxy ethyl acrylate (2‐HEA) treated oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) and jute fibers. It assume that chemical modification of jute and oil palm EFB fibers increased fiber/matrix interfacial bonding and it results in enhanced thermal properties of hybrid composites. Dynamic mechanical and thermal analysis of treated hybrid composites was carried out. Results indicated that chemical modification of oil palm EFB and jute fibers affect the dynamic mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid composites. The storage modulus values of hybrid composites increases with chemical treatment and loss modulus increased with fiber treatment in hybrid composites. Damping factor peak values of treated hybrid composites shifted toward the lower temperature compared to both untreated hybrid composites. Cole–Cole analysis was made to understand the phase behaviour of the hybrid composites. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated an increased in thermal stability of hybrid composite with the incorporation of chemically modified fibers. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1669–1674, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers