Mechanical characterization of chemically treated used jute fiber reinforced epoxy composite with SIC fillers

Abstract

Natural fibers are a good choice as economically as they are readily available in fibrous form and can be harvested from plant leaves at very low cost. Nevertheless, because of their lack of structural de-nsity, they have poo-rer strength levels than synthetic fibers. In this respect, many studies have been carried out by researchers to increase the strength of natural fibers. In present work, mechanical properties such as tensile srenth, flexural strength, Izod impact strength and Hardness of the silicon carbide (Sic) filled Used Jute Epoxy (UJE) composites were investigated. The silicon carbide filler UJF reinforced polymer composites have been prepared by using hand lay- up technique. In this context, Used jute/epoxy laminated composites were reinforced in different ratios (3%, 6%, 9% and 12%). The test results were compared with the results of unfilled jute/epoxy composites in order to better understand the effects of the fill percentage and grain size on mechanical strength. The produced laminated composites were tested under tensile, compression and impact loads. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was also performed to analyze the mechanisms of damage of the specimens. The test results showed that the SiC particle size and the percentage of reinforcement were effective on the mechanical behavior of the composite material.