Preparation and Physico-Chemical Study of Jute—Carbon Hybrid Composites of Bisphenol-C based Mixed Epoxy—Phenolic Resins

Abstract

Jute—carbon hybrid composites (JCEBCF-10 to JCEBCF-50) of mixed matrix materials (epoxy resin of bisphenol-C (EBC) and bisphenol-C-formaldehyde (BCF) of 10—50 wt% of epoxy resin) have been prepared by hand lay-up technique at 150°C under 7.6 MPa pressure for 2 h. JCEBCF-10 to JCEBCF-50 possess 5.13—10.0 MPa tensile strength, 5.06—17.0 MPa flexural strength, 1.82—1.60 kV/mm electric strength and 3.16—5.90 × 1012 ohm cm, resistivity. Tensile strength and flexural strength have increased, while electric strength has decreased with increasing amounts of BCF content in the composites. Volume resistivity has decreased up to 30 wt% BCF and then it is increased. Water absorption by composites was carried out in water, 10% aq. NaCl and 10% aq. HCl solutions at room temperature and in boiling water. Observed equilibrium water content in JCEBCF-10 to JCEBCF-50 in water, 10% aq. NaCl, 10% aq. HCl and in boiling water is 8.00—5.87, 5.77—4.10, 10.00—7.40, and 7.1—5.5%, respectively. Observed diffusivity order is NaCl > H2O > HCl. In boiling water equilibrium water absorption time (6 h) is decreased 24 times as compared to room temperature (144 h) without any damage indicating excellent hydrolytic stability in boiling water and even in harsh acidic and saline environments.