Abstract
Short jute fiber (2 - 3 mm) reinforced polypropylene PP-based composites (20% fiber by weight) were fabricated using compression molding and the mechanical properties were evaluated. Tensile strength (TS), tensile modulus (TM), elongation at break (Eb%), flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), impact strength (IS), and hardness of the composites were found to be 32 MPa, 850 MPa, 12%, 38 MPa, 1685 MPa, 18 kJ/m2 and 96 shore-A, respectively. Then short E-glass fiber (2 - 3 mm) reinforced PP-based composites (20% fiber by weight) were fabricated and mechanical properties were compared with short jute-based composites. Short jute-based composites showed excellent mechanical properties and comparable to short E-glass-based composites. Soil degradation test of both types of composites indi-cated that jute/PP composites significantly lost much of its mechanical properties but E-glass/PP composites retained major portion of its original integrity. Interfaces of the degraded composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and supported the biodegradation properties of jute/PP composites.
Highlights
Composite materials are consisting of a polymer matrix and a reinforcing agent
Soil degradation test of both types of composites indicated that jute/PP composites significantly lost much of its mechanical properties but E-glass/PP composites retained major portion of its original integrity
It was found that tensile strength (TS), tensile modulus (TM), elongation at break (%), flexural strength (FS), flexural modulus (FM), impact strength (IS) and hardness of the PP sheet were found to be 21 MPa, 640 MPa, 340%, 28 MPa, 1040 MPa, 4.47 KJ/m2 and 95 Shore A, respectively
Summary
Composite materials are consisting of a polymer matrix and a reinforcing agent. Composites are versatile and convenient in diverse application such as automotive and aeronaut industry, constructional materials, civil and military applications and many more. Jute is an attractive natural fiber for use as reinforcement in composite because of its excellent mechanical properties, low cost, renewable nature and much lower energy requirement for processing. It is produced in large scale in tropical area like Bangladesh, Indian and Latin America and it is already identified as potential candidate for reinforcing agent in composite fabrication. Several disadvantages of jute, such as poor wettability, poor fiber-matrix adhesion, intrinsic polarity due to the presence of hydroxyl and carboxyl groups in their structure, and low moisture resistance make it insufficient for proper reinforcement.
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