Preparation and characterization of jute fabrics reinforced urethane based thermoset composites: Effect of UV radiation

Abstract

Jute fabrics reinforced thermoset composites were prepared with different formulations using urethane acrylate oligomer, methanol, and benzyl peroxide. Jute fabrics were soaked in the prepared formulations and fiber content in the composites was optimized with the extent of mechanical properties. Among all the resulting composites, 55 wt% jute content at oligomer:methanol:benzyl peroxide=75:24.5:0.5 (w/w/w) ratio showed best mechanical properties. The optimized jute fabrics were cured under UV radiation at different intensities and their mechanical properties were measured. Jute fabrics were treated with potassium permanganate (KMnO4) solution of different concentrations (0.01, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.05 wt%) for different soaking times (1–5 min) before the composite fabrication. Optimized jute fabrics (jute fabrics treated with 0.02 wt% KMnO4 for 2 min soaking time) were soaked in the optimized formulation and cured under UV radiation at different intensities and measured their mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopic investigation showed that surface modification improves fiber/matrix adhesion. Water uptake and soil degradation test of the treated and untreated composite samples were also performed.