Evaluation of Coir and Jute Fibres as Reinforcement in Organic Matrix Resins

Abstract

The present work describes the evaluation of USP resin blended with urethane-acrylate-styrene resin (Crestomer 1080) and jute/coir fibre reinforced composites fabricated using these resin blends. Addition of crestomer 1080 to USP in different proportion (0, 25,50,75 and 100%) was done with an aim to develop resins having varying strain-to-failure. Curing characteristics and thermal behaviour of these resin blends was evaluated by DSC and TG. The elongation-at-break of cured resins (USP) having 25 and 50% crestomer was found to be 13.5 and 29.25% respectively and jute and coir fibres were used for reinforcement of these matrix resins. The hybrid composites consisting of glass fibre mat, coir fibre mat (nonwoven)/chopped bristle coir fibre (1cm long) and resin blends were fabricated. Composites having 66% resin (w/w) and 21% w/w coir fibre mat showed ∼240% improvement in flexural strength over that of neat resin sheets.