Preparation and physicochemical study of jute and glass composites of epoxy resin of (2E, 6E)-bis(4-hydroxybenzylidene)cyclohexanone

Abstract

Jute and glass composites of epoxy resin of (2E, 6E)-bis(4-hydroxybenzylidene)cyclohexanone (EBHBC) were prepared by compressing molding technique using three different hardeners at 150/120 °C for 3 h under 20 MPa pressure. J-EBHBC-DDM, J-EBHBC-DDS, J-EBHBC-THPA, G-EBHBC-DDS and G-EBHBC-THPA possess 9.8, 19.0, 15.8, 42.9 and 46.7 MPa tensile strength; 93.6, 24.9, 95.0, 97.9 and 184.2 MPa flexural strength; 5.6, 2.9, 3.0, 20.2 and 7.7 kV/mm electric strength; and 4.24 × 109, 2.91 × 1010, 1.35 × 109, 2.78 × 1011 and 2.23 × 1011 Ω cm volume resistivity. The nature and structure of the hardeners have affected mechanical and electrical properties of the jute and glass composites. Water absorption behavior of composites is tested in pure water and 10% each of aqueous HCl, H2SO4, HNO3, NaOH, KOH, NaCl solutions at 35 °C as well as in boiling water. Nature of electrolytes has affected water absorption and diffusivity of solvated water in the composites. Both types of the composites showed excellent hydrolytic stability, high water absorption tendency and longer equilibrium time. Water absorption behavior in the composites was found quite different in different environments indicating different diffusivity in different environments. The composites may be useful for low load bearing housing, electrical and marine applications.