Fabrication and Mechanical Characterization of Green Composites using Basalt and Jute Fibers for Agriculture Applications

Abstract

Several researches are going on the hybridization of natural composites by adding SiC as a filler and epoxy due to its higher thermal and physical properties, biodegradable, economic and excellent mechanical properties as compared to synthetic fibers such as glass, Kevlar etc. Jute fiber is an important natural fiber which is abundantly found in India, whereas Basalt fiber is obtained from basalt rock, which is also present in India in a high percentage. Jute fibers are used in geotextiles and agrotextiles for sustainable development in agriculture. The Eco-friendly basalt fibers are used in agriculture and biological applications for soil improvement and fabrication of stucco fireproof netting for animal housings etc. In this paper, basalt and jute fiber reinforced green composites were fabricated using hand layup technique by addition of SiC as filler material in different wt% (0%, 5%, and 10%). The properties of composite material such as impact strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength along with the water absorption test were investigated as per the ASTM standards. Significant improvements were obtained in their mechanical behavior by addition of different wt% of SiC. SEM images showed improved microstructures of green composites with less fractured surfaces at 10% addition of SiC.