Improvement of mechanical properties of jute-nano cellulose-reinforced unsaturated polyester resin-based composite: Effects of gamma radiation

Abstract

In this research work, waste jute bags were utilized to synthesize nano cellulose which was further applied as reinforcing materials for the fabrication of unsaturated resin-based composites. Different percentages of nano cellulose were used to fabricate nano cellulose-reinforced unsaturated polyester resin-based composites and the composites were fabricated using the hand-lay-up technique. A 0.2% (w/w) incorporation of nano-cellulose in the matrix enhanced the mechanical properties of the fabricated composites. A variation was also maintained for high-energy gamma radiation doses such as 2.5, 5.0, and 7.5 KGy which were applied throughout the fabricated composite to enhance the properties. Higher mechanical properties were found for the incorporation of 0.2% nano cellulose and 5.0 KGy gamma radiation doses application such as ultimate tensile strength (210% increment), bending strength (200% increment), elongation at break (12.5% reduction), impact strength (56% increment), Fourier Transform Infrared, scanning electron microscope, as well as water uptake test.