Study of Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Carbon-Jute Reinforced Polyester Hybrid Composites

Abstract

The effect of the fiber orientation of thermosetting polyester resin with carbon and jute fiber-a natural polymer hybrid composite has been investigated by experiments. The tensile, flexural, impact, hardness, specific gravity and three body wear tests. The natural polymer hybrid composite is developed by the traditional method of fabricating the composite i.e. by hand lay-up technique. The proportion by weight of fibers and resin are kept constant, while varying the fiber orientation. The laminates are kept for curing at room temperature condition. Specimens are developed according to ASTM standards. Experimental results showed that hybridization of the composite with natural and synthetic fibers shows enhanced mechanical properties. The content of natural reinforcements is 60% in the developed hybrid composite. The effect of untreated jute placed at different fiber orientation has significant effect on the flexural, impact, hardness and specific gravity properties than tensile properties. The wear property has shown good resistance if the presence of carbon fiber. An overall comparison between the properties of the developed natural polymer hybrid composite revealed that the presence of carbon fiber woven mat on both the sides of the composite has played the critical role by balancing the properties and reducing the overall cost