Evaluation of Tensile, Modal and Fracture Properties of Jute/Epoxy Natural Composites with addition of Silicon Di Oxide as Filler Material

Abstract

Research and development of natural fibers as reinforcement for various sectors is a growing interest to scientists and engineers. Nowadays, natural fibers is an interesting option due to their unique properties such as low density, good specific properties, renewability, combustibility, lower durability, excellent mechanical properties and low price compared to synthetic fibers. In the present work, an attempt has been made to study tensile, modal and fracture behavior of jute fiber reinforced epoxy composites with and without Silica as filler. The tensile properties such as Elastic modulus and tensile strength increased for jute epoxy specimens with 5% and 10% silica as compared to neat jute/epoxy composites. Modal test was conducted to evaluate the modal response of the jute composite materials. Natural frequencies were higher for jute epoxy material with 5% silica compared to other two compositions for all three modes extracted. Damping ratios remained constant for jute epoxy specimens without filler whereas small variations were observed in specimens for 5% and 10% filler. Fracture toughness test also revealed that jute epoxy composite with 5% silica had better fracture properties compared to other two compositions.