Jute Research Articles

Investigation of the mechanical properties of jute and glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite for sustainable and cost-effective applications

Investigation of the mechanical properties of jute and glass fiber reinforced epoxy composite for sustainable and cost-effective applications

Mechanical investigations of the durability performance of sustainable self-compacting and anti-spalling composite mortars

The durability of the mortar has recently been a critical concern, as it inherently contributes to the overall sustainability and resilience of the structure. This paper aims to address the growing demand for sustainable and durable infrastructure by investigating the effect of incorporating polypropylene, nylon, and jute fibers into self-compacting mortars. The performance of the mortar was tested under high temperatures, chemical attacks (Acid and sulfate attack), and freeze-thaw cycles. The mechanical properties were also examined through strength tests including compressive and flexural strength. Transport properties of mortars were investigated by water absorption, porosity, and sorptivity tests. Seven test mortar mixes were prepared, one of which was a control sample and six had polypropylene, nylon, jute fibers, and an entraining agent. Three of the six mortar mixes had 0.5 % polypropylene, nylon, and jute fibers while the other three had 1 % of these fibers. The effect of acid and sulfate was investigated by parameters of weight losses and reductions in compressive strength of mortar samples while the effect of freeze and thaw was investigated by comparing the drop in compressive strength of mortar specimens with and without fibers. The results revealed a drop in water absorption and porosity of mortar samples containing 0.5 % test fibers as than the control sample, while a slight increase was observed in water absorption and porosity for mortar samples incorporating 1 % of these fibers. The sorptivity of test samples was less than that of the control sample. The compressive strength of mortar samples having 0.5 % fibers was found to have increased, however, a slight reduction was observed in the compressive strength for samples having 1 % of these fibers. The addition of Polypropylene, Nylon, and Jute fibers significantly increased the flexural strength of mortar samples. There were lesser weight losses and compressive strength losses for mortar samples containing Polypropylene, Jute, and Nylon fibers as compared to the control mortar sample when subjected to 5 % HCL, 5 % sodium sulfate, and 28 freeze-thaw cycles. The addition of Polypropylene, Jute, and Nylon fibers has improved the durability performance of self-compacting concrete against different deteriorating phenomena, which eventually can result in durable and sustainable infrastructure.

Strength and self-healing behavior of bacteria biocomposite concrete in soil exposure condition

The ever-increasing extractive load on hydrocarbon resources, and growing worldwide environmental and social concern have made it necessary to find new material composites in construction that are environment friendly. Natural fibers, they being light weight, bio-renewable, low-cost and eco-friendly is recently used in various industrial applications. Microbiologically induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) by bacteria added in natural fiber is investigated as possible sustainable method for strengthening and repairing cracks in concrete. In this study coir, flax, and jute fibers are used as carriers for bacterial spores to promote strength enhancement and self-healing in concrete. Bacillus tropicus added along with aforementioned natural fibers in concrete by direct addition and immobilization to determine the compressive strength, compressive strength regain and ultrasonic pulse velocity test and crack healing characteristics in concrete. Artificial cracks are induced in Bacteria Biocomposite Concrete Specimens (BBCS) to width of 0.5–1 mm and healing efficiency is determined for soil exposure condition for a period of 56 days. Bacteria added by immobilization and direct addition rendered 79.71 % and 64.49 % of enhanced healing efficiency respectively. Microstructure studies on BBCS and crack filling material (white precipitate) reveals the presence of calcium carbonate compounds, which is due to biological action of bacteria in concrete and exposure environment.

A study on fracture behavior of SEN natural hybrid composite specimen under tensile load

In this work, two reinforcements (natural jute fiber and glass fiber) hybridized with different volume fractions, are reinforced with a constant volume epoxy resin through hand layup method. The ASTM standard tensile specimen of jute natural epoxy composite of different volume fractions and orientations of fibers, with varied single edge notch (SEN) size were subjected to uniaxial tensile load in universal testing machine. Effect of jute volume fraction, notch size and fiber orientation on tensile strength and fracture toughness has been studied through experimental results. Increased percent of jute fibre showed decrease in tensile strength and fracture toughness. Also, with the increase in notch size, the tensile strength decreased and the fracture toughness increased. Further, the tensile strength and fracture toughness were superior in 0°/90° fiber orientation specimen than those with ±45° fiber orientation. Furthermore, experimental results were validated by conducting statistical and fractographic analysis. The jute fiber percentage was ranked as best level factor affecting the fracture behavior as per taguchi method. Morphological features of fractured surfaces were analyzed through scanning electron microscopic (SEM) images with respect to nature of jute fiber failure under uniaxial loading conditions.

Experimental investigations on the influence of natural reinforcements on tribological performance of sustainable nanocomposites: A comparative study with polymer technology

Sustainable polymer-based nanocomposites are gaining consideration as a potential alternative to conventional composites in tribological applications. The research aimed to study the influence of reinforcements on the tribological response of sustainable polymer-based nanocomposites. In this work, nine different nanocomposites were developed by the recycling of waste plastics of three different types with incorporation of coconut fibers, jute fibers and nano-sized particles of rice husk ash. Three-body abrasive wear behaviour at five different conditions of loads and speeds were investigated. The wear of the composites increases invariably with the applied loads and speeds, and were in the ranges of 0.0154–0.2212 (cm3) and 0.02207–0.4398 (cm3), respectively. The comparative analysis of the three-body abrasive wear at the conditions of speeds has suggested the reinforcement of coconut fibers with low-density polyethylene for optimum tribological performance, whereas reinforcement of rice husk ash showed an excellent wear resistance for high-density polyethylene and polypropylene composites. The observations for three-body abrasive wear under the considered loads has suggested the incorporation of coconut fibers with low-density polyethene and polypropylene composites, whereas rice husk ash is a suitable reinforcement with high-density polyethene for optimum tribological performance. The rolling behaviour of the nanoparticles has considerably enabled the tribological performance of nanocomposites at extreme conditions of loads and speeds. The research indicated a great potential for natural reinforcement in nanocomposites and will promote the expansion of sustainable polymer-based nanocomposites for tribological applications.

A comparative study on the influence of MWCNT, GO, and Al(OH)3 gel matrix modification on hierarchical structured composite reinforced with needle-punched jute fiber and glass fiber

The main objective of this paper was to identify the influence of different filler materials on the properties of hybrid composites. The hybrid composites were fabricated using randomly oriented glass fiber mats, needle-punched jute fiber mats, and epoxy resin as the matrix material. Three different kinds of filler materials were studied: Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs), Graphene Oxide (GO), and Aluminum Hydroxide (AlOH) nanoparticles. The secondary reinforcements were dispersed in the epoxy matrix through ultrasonication. The composites were made by conventional hand lay-up followed by applying high pressure and temperature under a hydraulic press to effectively cure and minimize voids within the final composite. These were compared with the properties of the unmodified composite containing no filler. The influence on mechanical properties was evaluated through tensile, flexural, and impact tests. Failure modes of the fractured tensile specimen were observed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis was done to observe the changes in the chemical structure upon the addition of secondary reinforcements. Lastly, water absorption behavior and flame retardancy were observed as well. The results showed that MWCNT resulted in the composite exhibiting superior properties and GO, on the contrary, led to the deterioration of the properties. This could be because an optimum concentration of MWCNT was used, whereas this was not the case for GO filler. The addition of MWCNT resulted in a more substantial but brittle composite, while AlOH enhanced the ductility of the composite by compromising the overall strength. Hence, it can be concluded that MWCNT resulted in the formation of composites with the most desired properties.

The influence of hybridization and different manufacturing methods on the mechanical properties of the composites reinforced with basalt, jute, and flax fibers

The influence of hybridization and different manufacturing methods on the mechanical properties of the composites reinforced with basalt, jute, and flax fibers

Physicomechanical and erosion wear characterization of PLA/Jute fiber biocomposite

Introduction: The present study has demonstrated the effect of short jute fiber on physical, mechanical and erosion wear performance of PLA based composite. Problem Statement: An attempt has been made to develop and investigate the environment friendly and biodegradable composites based on jute fiber and PLA composite. Materials and Method: The erosion wear performance was assessed on Air-jet erosion tester. The design of experiments was prepared as per Taguchi orthogonal array L16 under for different factors of impact velocity, impingement angle, erodent size and jute fiber fraction and level of each factor was kept four. ANOVA was applied to find the best significant factor affecting erosion rate of composite. Main Results: The finding of results indicated that the density significantly increased with the addition of jute fiber and in parallel, it indicated the increment in the void content. The mechanical properties like hardness, tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and fracture toughness of PLA based composite reinforced with 15 wt.-% jute fiber were increased by 59%, 233%, 42%, 62% and 168% respectively. On the other hand, the thermal conductivity of the composite was decreased by 31% with the addition of 15 wt.-% of jute fiber. The minimum erosion wear rate was obtained for 15 wt.-% of jute fiber under impact velocity of 35 m/sec and angle of impingement of 90° and erodent size of 250 µm. Finally, ANOVA concluded that the impact velocity and jute fiber fraction played the most important role in influencing the erosion wear rate of PLA composite. Recommendation: For many construction and structural applications, jute PLA/fiber composite can be suitable due to excellent mechanical properties and low thermal conductivity.

A step towards tuning the jute fiber structure and properties by employing sodium periodate oxidation and coating with alginate

This paper outlines a novel simple protocol for tuning the structure and properties of jute using sodium periodate (NaIO4) oxidation and coating with alginate. When compared to the raw jute, fabrics oxidized with a 0.2 or 0.4 % NaIO4 solution for 30–120 min exhibited an increased aldehyde group content (0.185 vs. 0.239–0.398 mmol/g), a significantly increased negative zeta potential (from −8.57 down to −20.12 mV), a slight disruption of fiber crystallinity, 15.1–37.5 % and 27.9–49.8 % lower fabric maximum force and stiffness, respectively. Owing to the removal of hydrophobic surface barrier, decreased crystallinity index and the presence of micropores on the fabrics' surfaces, oxidized fabrics have a 22.3–29.6 % improved ability for moisture sorption compared to raw fabric. Oxidized fabrics characterized by very long wetting times and excellent antioxidant activities (> 98 %), can find applications as hydrophobic packaging materials. To further extend the utilization of jute in biocarpet engineering such as water-binding geo-prebiotic supports, oxidized fabrics were coated with alginate resulting in 7.9–24.9 % higher moisture sorption and 352–660 times lower wetting times than their oxidized counterparts. This modification protocol has never been applied to lignocellulosic fibers and sheds new light on obtaining jute fabrics with tuned structure and properties intended for various applications.

Research on the effects of jute fibers filler content and surface treatment on the mechanical properties of natural rubber latex foam

AbstractNatural rubber latex foam (NRLF) filled with untreated and alkali/silane coupling agent‐treated jute fibers (JFs) were prepared using the Dunlop method. The JFs fillers were added at 0, 1, 3, and 5 phr. The density, crosslinking degree, and surface morphology of the untreated jute‐filled NRLF were studied, and the tensile and compression properties of the untreated and surface‐treated NRLF were compared. The results showed that the density, the modulus at 100% elongation (M100), and compression set of the untreated jute‐filled NRLF increased with increasing JFs filler content. The crosslinking degree, tensile strength, elongation at break, and recovery rate decreased with increasing JFs filler content. Regarding mechanical properties, the surface‐treated JFs‐filled NRLF exhibited higher tensile strength and M100 than the untreated group, indicating that alkali/silane coupling agent treatment enhanced the interaction between JFs and the matrix. However, the elongation at break was lower. As for the compression set and recovery rate, there was no significant difference between the two groups, indicating that alkali/silane coupling agent treatment had little effect on the compression set and recovery rate of JFs‐filled NRLF.

Application of E-Glass Jute Hybrid Laminate Composite with Curved Shape on Compressive Strength of Cylindrical Column Concrete

This study provides a better understanding of reinforcing cylindrical concrete columns (CCC) using a hybrid laminated composite material (HLC) composed of jute and e-glass fibers, including the influence of layer quantity on strength and a comparison with previous research. The utilization of these alternative materials may lead to the development of novel and efficient solutions for constructing durable and robust structures. The primary objectives of this research are to assess the effects of employing HLC as a reinforcing layer on CCC compressive strength, optimize the reinforcement process by selecting appropriate layer sequences and types, and analyze the type of fiber damage in relation to the strength of HLC composite material. The materials utilized in this study encompass woven jute fabric sheets, e-glass fiber sheets, and epoxy resin. Compressive strength testing was conducted following ASTM C39 standards. Specimen variations were based on the number and type of reinforcing layers. The results revealed that CCC compressive strength increased by up to 100% with the application of up to three layers of jute compared to an unlayered specimen. Furthermore, CCC compressive strength experienced a remarkable enhancement of up to 150% with the incorporation of HLC composite. Hence, the implementation of HLC demonstrates significant potential for augmenting the strength of concrete structures.

Fabrication and Mechanical Characterization of Green Composites using Basalt and Jute Fibers for Agriculture Applications

Several researches are going on the hybridization of natural composites by adding SiC as a filler and epoxy due to its higher thermal and physical properties, biodegradable, economic and excellent mechanical properties as compared to synthetic fibers such as glass, Kevlar etc. Jute fiber is an important natural fiber which is abundantly found in India, whereas Basalt fiber is obtained from basalt rock, which is also present in India in a high percentage. Jute fibers are used in geotextiles and agrotextiles for sustainable development in agriculture. The Eco-friendly basalt fibers are used in agriculture and biological applications for soil improvement and fabrication of stucco fireproof netting for animal housings etc. In this paper, basalt and jute fiber reinforced green composites were fabricated using hand layup technique by addition of SiC as filler material in different wt% (0%, 5%, and 10%). The properties of composite material such as impact strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength along with the water absorption test were investigated as per the ASTM standards. Significant improvements were obtained in their mechanical behavior by addition of different wt% of SiC. SEM images showed improved microstructures of green composites with less fractured surfaces at 10% addition of SiC.

Changing Livelihood, and Culture in Pattharkatta (Kushbadiya) Community of Nepal

Pattharkatta (Kusbadiya), one of the endangered communities of Nepal, have been using multiple livelihood strategies from carving grinding stone to wage labour. In course of selling and carving grinding stones, they still practice semi-nomadic characteristics like tribal peoples’ routine of periodically moving from one place to another. Due to the lack of their own registered land, they were compelled to many livelihood strategies because the traditional occupation was replaced by new technology. The decline of their traditional occupation and landlessness generate questions about the traditional livelihood and culture strategies of the community. What are the current livelihood practices of the Pattharkatta? How do they negotiate to change livelihood and culture? What are socio-cultural changes they experienced? Nowadays, they have settled in some public places near the road, rivers, and slum areas of the municipality. Some of them temporally migrated to the near market and road where they make and sell grinding stones. Some of them migrated to Kathmandu and temporally settled along the ring road at Balaju Bus Park, Kalanki, Chahabil, Basundhara, and Koteswor.
 By employing a mixed method design, the researcher collected information through observations and interviews with the selected informants in Kapilbastu and Kathmandu. Descriptive and narrative analysis of the data explored that they were temporarily settled in a public land by making temporary huts in public lands or lands allocated by the local bodies. Few of them continued in traditional occupations- making grinding stones, making brooms and ropes using jute fibers and rest of them changed their livelihood strategies and culture.

Residual strength of ultrahigh-performance hybrid fibre-reinforced concrete columns subjected to high temperatures

The main goal of this research is to experimentally investigate the effects of hybrid fibres on the residual strength of ultrahigh-performance fibre-reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) columns subjected to high temperatures. Eight UHPFRC mixtures incorporating various types of fibres, namely, steel fibre (SF), polypropylene fibre (PP), polyvinyl alcohol fibre (PVA) and natural jute fibre (JF), were designed. Sixteen UHPFRC columns (two columns for each mixture) were tested under axial loading. Eight columns were tested at room temperature (unheated), and the other eight were subjected to 500 °C for 30 min. Results indicated that the hybrid fibres were effective in overcoming explosive spalling at high temperatures. The combination of polymer fibres (PP, PVA and JF) in addition to SF effectively improved the residual strength and fire resistance of heated UHPFRC columns. Moreover, the ultimate load capacity of the tested columns was compared with those calculated by the ACI 318–2014 design code and an existing theoretical approach.

Development and mechanical characterization of PLA composites reinforced with jute and nettle bio fibers

Development and mechanical characterization of PLA composites reinforced with jute and nettle bio fibers

Effect of abrasive grit grade on the abrasion wear behaviour of long banana-jute fibers reinforced hybrid epoxy composites

The effect of abrasive grit geometry on two-body abrasion wear behavior of long banana and jute fiber reinforced epoxy composites has been investigated. Epoxy (EP), Epoxy/4 wt% Banana fiber (BF)/4 wt%Jute fiber (JF) (EP8), Epoxy/8 wt%BF/8 wt%JF (EP16), Epoxy/12 wt%BF/12 wt% JF (EP24), and Epoxy/16 wt% BF/16 wt%JF (EP32) were the composite materials systems used for the investigation. These composites were processed and fabricated using hand—lay-up technique. The two body abrasion wear test was carried out in accordance with ASTM G99 under the influence of different SiC grit particles (180, 320, 400, and 600 SiC grit). The test was conducted at a room temperature under the abrasion load of 10 N and abrasion speed of 1 m s−1 over a distance of 100 m. The findings of the experiments revealed that wear response of composites depends on pressure, geometry of abrasion particles and their composition. The wear volume loss and specific wear rate decreases with increase in the rank of grit grade. Further, 16 wt% of fibers in composites exhibits the superior abrasion wear resistance. But the higher volume fraction of natural fibers in composites impaired the abrasion wear resistance. Higher rank of grit number was associated with the lesser wear volume loss because of the change in wear mechanism from abrasion to adhesion. In comparison to epoxy based composites, EP16 composite shows superior wear resistance. SEM images were used to examine the worn surfaces.

Enhancing properties of jute/starch bio-composite material through incorporation of magnesium carbonate hydroxide pentahydrate: A sustainable approach

This research aims to develop an environment-friendly composite material that possesses enhanced fire retardant (FR), thermal, as well as mechanical characteristics. The aim has been accomplished with the development of a jute/thermoplastic starch (TPS) based bio-composite. The fire retardancy and thermal stability of the jute/TPS composite were enhanced by the incorporation of magnesium carbonate hydroxide pentahydrate (MCHPH). Upon exposure to heat or fire, the MCHPH particles decompose in a two-stage process to yield water vapors and a char layer of MgO and CO2, which restrict access to oxygen and result in flame suppression. Moreover, the main contribution of the article is the improvement of mechanical properties simultaneously with the enhancement in the fire retardant and thermal properties, which have rarely been reported in the literature. The enhancement of mechanical properties is supported by the compatibility of MCHPH particles with jute/TPS. All the composites were developed with a constant 40 % jute fiber content, while the MCHPH concentration varied from 0 % to 9 % by weight. The tensile strength of TPS was enhanced by 595 % with the reinforcement of jute fiber and MCHPH nano-filler. Compatibility between TPS, jute, and MCHPH was discovered through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the fractured surfaces of the composites. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed a decrease in the weight loss of the MCHPH-filled jute/TPS composites at high temperatures. The vertical burning test also revealed that the composites met the requirements for a V-0 rating. The heat release rate of the composites was reduced by 36 % after the addition of MCHPH, as measured by cone calorimetry test. The biodegradability test confirmed the eco-friendly nature of the composites by demonstrating significant weight loss in soil over a 4-weeks period. Thus, the present study provided the basis for the development of a novel green composite with commendable gains in flame resistance, thermal stability, and mechanical robustness.

Investment Jute Fiber as Environmental Waste to Reinforcement Polyester Resin, Epoxy Resin and its Mixtures Used in home applications

Investment Jute Fiber as Environmental Waste to Reinforcement Polyester Resin, Epoxy Resin and its Mixtures Used in home applications

Design and Fabrication of an Instrument for Splitted Jute Fiber Length Measurement

Design and Fabrication of an Instrument for Splitted Jute Fiber Length Measurement

PRODUCTION OF SELF-HEALING MORTAR USING BACTERIAL SPORES ENCAPSULATED WITH JUTE FIBRE

Cement-based composites have various advantages such as low cost, easy shaping, and high compressive strength. Therefore, they are widely used in the construction industry. However, their brittle structure makes them prone to cracking, which must be repaired promptly to avoid possible loss of strength and durability and ultimate structural failures. Microbially-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) offers an effective method for healing these cracks. Unlike other treatments, MICP method is a natural and environment-friendly option for self-healing of cracks. However, bacteria can be damaged by cement and mechanical impacts; therefore, encapsulation is necessary to protect them. Encapsulation in fibres is a simpler and more cost-effective method than the other techniques. This study tested the effectiveness of encapsulating Bacillus megaterium spores in jute fibres and added them to cement-based mortars. Different nutrient supplements were used, and physical analyses and compressive strength tests were conducted on 28-day cured cube specimens. Present findings revealed that Bacillus megaterium-type bacteria encapsulated in jute fibres improved the compressive strength recovery and healed the loading-induced cracks.