Effect of Jute Fiber Modification on Mechanical Properties of Jute Fiber Composite.

Md Arshad Ali,Md Sohag Miah,Elwathig A M Hassan,Hua Wang,Hafeezullah Memon

doi:10.3390/ma12081226

Md Arshad Ali, Md Sohag Miah + Show 3 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/ma12081226

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Abstract

Recently, the demand for reinforced plastics from natural, sustainable, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly fibers has been rising worldwide. However, the main shortcoming of natural fibers reinforced plastics is the poor compatibility between reinforcing fibers and the matrix. Hence, it is necessary to form a strong attachment of the fibers to the matrix to obtain the optimum performance. In this work, chemical treatments (acid pretreatment, alkali pretreatment, and scouring) were employed on jute fibers to modify them. The mechanical properties, surface morphology, and Fourier transform infrared spectra of treated and untreated jute fibers were analyzed to understand the influence of chemical modifications on the fiber. Then, jute fiber/epoxy composites with a unidirectional jute fiber organization were prepared. Basic properties of the composites such as the void fraction, tensile strength, initial modulus, and elongation at break were studied. The better interfacial adhesion of treated fibers was shown by scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of fractured coupons. Hence, the chemical treatment of jute fiber has a significant impact on the formation of voids in the composites as well as the mechanical properties of jute fiber composites.

Highlights

During the last few decades, composite materials have gained much attention from researchers in the fields of materials science and engineering materials [1,2]
This work discusses the impact of the chemical treatment of jute fibers on the physical and
This work discusses the impact of the chemical treatment of jute fibers on the physical and mechanical properties of jute fiber composite

Summary

Introduction

During the last few decades, composite materials have gained much attention from researchers in the fields of materials science and engineering materials [1,2]. Composite materials can be categorized into three categories in terms of the matrix used: polymer matrix composites, metal matrix composites, and ceramic matrix composites. Polymer matrix composites have various advantages over the other two, including a lower volume-to-weight ratio, a higher specific strength-to-weight ratio, the ability to be formed into different shapes and sizes, resistance to corrosion, as well as a simple manufacturing process, recyclability, and lower cost [1,3,4]. Fiber-reinforced plastics have successfully replaced their heavy metal and ceramic as well as expensive engineering plastic counterparts. Fiber-reinforced plastics are either made up of thermosets or thermoplastic resin as a matrix, with either synthetic or natural fibers as a reinforcing material [5,6,7].

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