Influence of Nano-Silica on the Mechanical Properties of Jute/Glass Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composites

Abstract

Natural composites have gained importance recently due to increasing environmental factors and relatively low cost. Although their biodegradability, low density, and high processability, the use of natural fibers in composite materials as the only reinforcement phase faces with some challenges due to their disadvantages such as high moisture absorption and low mechanical properties. To overcome these issues, the natural fibers are generally utilized in composite materials by synthesizing with synthetic fibers. In this context, jute/epoxy composites have been hybridized with glass fiber layers and nano-silica particles to improve low mechanical properties, and the contributions of hybridization on mechanical properties are investigated through performing tensile, bending, and impact tests. Nano-silica particles in the ratio of 1%, 2%, and 3% by weight have been used in composite production. Three different hybrid configurations (G1J6G1, J3G2J3, J2G1J2G1J2) are tested as well as pure jute/epoxy and pure glass/epoxy composites. According to the experimental results, nano-silica additive has a significant effect on both non-hybrid and hybrid fiber reinforced composites. By using the glass fiber layer on the outer surface, the
 highest tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact behavior have been achieved in the G1J6G1 hybrid configuration.