Influence of layering sequence on performance of jute/wool epoxy hybrid composites: a comparative study with automotive plastic

Abstract

Natural fibres such as Jute and Wool are increasingly being used in fibre reinforced polymer composites, hence progressively supplanting synthetic fibres. Combining these two unique natural fibers would improve the performance of composites used in secondary structural applications. This study is intended to investigate the effects of Jute and Wool fiber arrangement on mechanical properties in an epoxy matrix. In order to achieve this, hand layup was employed to fabricate composite laminates consisting of four layered fabric layers stacked in sequences, as Jute/Wool/Wool/Jute (JW1), Wool/Jute/Jute/Wool (JW2), Jute/Wool/Jute/Wool (JW3), and Jute/Jute/Wool/Wool (JW4). Effect of these stacking sequences on the properties of Natural Fibre Hybrid Composites (NFHCs) was evaluated by conducting a series of standardized tests such as Flexural, Interlaminar Shear Strength (ILSS), Impact and Single End Notch Bend (SENB) tests, as per ASTM standards. On the other hand an automobile interior thermoplastic material was evaluated for different mechanical properties and compared with hybrid Jute-Wool composite. Experimental results showed that the JW1 composite, exhibited superior mechanical properties because it has tailored with a Wool fabric at the core and Jute fabric on its outer surface. Hence, JW1 had a remarkable tensile strength of 40 MPa, a maximum flexural strength of 99 MPa and extremely high interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of 3.09 MPa. In addition to this, JW1 also had high fracture toughness, measuring around 72 M P a m 1 /2, and impressive impact strength of 85 J/m2. Furthermore, scanning electron microscope (SEM) photo images confirmed that the presence of strong bonding between the fibres and matrix in JW1 composite exhibited and overall improvement of mechanical performance by 82% when compared with other combinations (JW2, JW3, and JW4) including automotive plastics.