Thermal and dynamic mechanical analysis of hybrid jute/sisal fibre reinforced epoxy composite

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to investigate the dynamic mechanical and thermal properties of hybrid jute/sisal fibre reinforced epoxy composites. The hybrid composites were prepared by hand layup technique having total fibre loading of 30% by weight with different weight ratios of jute and sisal fibres. Dynamic mechanical properties such as storage modulus ([Formula: see text]), loss modulus ([Formula: see text]) and damping ([Formula: see text]) were investigated in the temperature range of 30–200 ℃. The thermal stability of the prepared composites was studied using thermogravimetric analysis. Other thermal properties such as glass transition temperature ( Tg), crystallization temperature ( Tc) and decomposition temperature ( Td) were also obtained by differential scanning calorimetry. The results indicated a positive effect of hybridization in terms of increase in dynamic mechanical and thermal properties. Storage modulus, loss modulus and Tg were found to be higher for hybrid composite having a higher percentage of jute fibres.