Jute Fibre Reinforced Research Articles

Effects of perlite content and jute fiber reinforcement on flexural behavior of the gypsum/perlite composite core-based sandwich structures

Gypsum wallboards are widely used as a building material, but limitations exist in their weight and brittleness. The incorporation of various fillers in the gypsum makes them lightweight, stiff, and capable of resisting catastrophic failure but with the cost of strength. Sandwiching the filled gypsum using a low-cost material as skin may be an innovative approach to improve the flexural properties. In this work, sandwich structures were fabricated using jute fiber reinforced and unreinforced perlite-filled gypsum as cores and low-cost brown paper as skins. The density, flexural strength, modulus, and toughness of the resulting sandwich structures were investigated. It is found that the increase in perlite content in pure gypsum and jute fiber-reinforced gypsum significantly enhances the flexural strength, modulus, and toughness of the sandwich structures. However, previous research on jute fiber-reinforced and unreinforced gypsum/perlite composite panels (without skin) showed a decrease in flexural strength due to an increase in perlite content. The maximum flexural strengths of unreinforced sandwich (URS) and jute fiber reinforced sandwiches (JRS) at a perlite content of 15 g are found to be 13.29 % and 40.79 % greater than the control sandwich with pure gypsum core. The maximum flexural toughness of the JRS at a perlite content of 20 g and that of the URS at a perlite content of 15 g are respectively 118.31 % and 79.14 % greater than the control sandwich. A significant difference in load-displacement curves between JRSs and URSs is noticed despite the similar failure sequence i.e. core cracking→skin yielding→skin tearing.

Investigating the reinforcing effect of jute fiber in a PLA & PBAT biopolymer blend matrix for advanced engineering applications: Enhancing sustainability with bioresources

Renewable and biodegradable jute fiber (JF) is strategically incorporated as reinforcement in the poly (lactic acid) (PLA)/ poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) matrix through melt blending. The resulting composites are comprehensively characterized to assess their mechanical properties, thermal stability, and morphological features. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is employed to scrutinize the interfacial bonding between the jute fibers and the biopolymer blend matrix. "The impact properties of the PLA/PBAT/JF 15 % composite (PLA/PBAT reinforced with 15 % jute fiber) are compared with a commercially available car dash box. Additionally, a composite fabricated from the recycled car dash box reinforced with 15 % jute fiber is evaluated. The results indicate that the developed composite demonstrates compatibility comparable to Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) based engineering plastics." This investigation offers insights into the potential of bio-inspired jute fiber reinforcement to enhance the properties of the PLA/PBAT biopolymer blend matrix, thereby increases the scope in engineering applications other than single use application.

Assessing the consequences of water retention on the structural integrity of jute fiber and its composites: A review

AbstractResearchers have compared natural jute fiber to synthetic fibers due to their distinct physical and mechanical properties, which have been recognized for decades. Jute fibers are a very versatile type of vegetable fibers widely used in structural composites and it has also shown potential in various applications such as nanoparticles, building interior, and automotive components. However, designing jute composite parts is a challenging task due to plant origin, growth conditions, age, stem location, extraction method, and non‐uniform fiber cross section. The current review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the existing literature on jute fiber and its composites of water and moisture absorption behavior on their performance. The most relevant findings regarding jute fiber water and moisture absorption characteristics have been summarized and analyzed in this review paper. In addition, this article presents an overview of the main characteristics of jute fibers, several parameters influencing the characteristics of jute fibers, jute fiber reinforcement composites, impact of relative humidity, swelling properties on jute fiber composite materials, and potential future research areas are also highlighted.Highlights Higher growing interest of researchers for jute fiber Factors affecting the properties of jute fibers Various way of making jute fiber reinforced composites Influence of moisture on its properties Present and future areas of its upgradation

Jute Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites in Structural Applications: A Review

Jute Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites in Structural Applications: A Review

Development and characterization of microwave‐processed linear low‐density polyethylene based sisal/jute hybrid laminates

AbstractNatural fiber‐reinforced composites are gaining significant popularity for their biodegradability and eco‐friendliness. Fiber modifications and hybridization have been used to address issues like hydrophilicity and fiber inhomogeneity. However, efficient manufacturing is still a challenge for natural fiber‐reinforced polymer composites. The present study explores the potential of microwave processing of hybrid laminates composed of sisal and jute fibers. The laminates, consisting of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) as matrix and sisal and jute as reinforcement materials were subjected to microwave processing at specific power, time, frequency, and loads. Four types of laminates with different stacking sequences: sisal‐sisal‐sisal (SSS), sisal‐jute‐sisal (SJS), jute‐sisal‐jute (JSJ), and jute‐jute‐jute (JJJ) were developed. The developed composites showed ~3% void content, with the SJS and JSJ composite having the least and highest void content, respectively. The SJS composite showed the highest tensile and flexural strength of 15.27 and 20.40 MPa, respectively, out of all the configurations and an improvement of 42% and 85% over pure LLDPE. Hybrid composites having high‐strength fibers in the skin layer exhibited superior mechanical properties. Microscopic examination of the fractured specimens revealed that fiber pull‐out and fiber breakage were the primary failure mechanisms of failure. Lateral failure due to delamination between matrix and fiber was predominant with grip and gauge regions as frequent failure points. The incorporation of sisal and jute fiber reinforcement into the polymers doesn't change the thermal stability of the fabricated composites significantly. The above results show that microwave‐assisted processing is a promising method for producing natural fiber‐reinforced hybrid polymer composites.Highlights Development of hybrid laminates using microwave energy at 2.45 GHz. The mechanism of microwave‐based processing of polymer composites has been discussed. Effect of layering sequence on mechanical and thermal properties of the developed composite. Assessment of tensile strength with morphology, flexural strength and thermo‐gravimetric analysis.

Comparative study on externally bonded heat-treated jute and glass fiber reinforcement for repair of pre-cracked high performance concrete beams

Comparative study on externally bonded heat-treated jute and glass fiber reinforcement for repair of pre-cracked high performance concrete beams

Insight to the influence of alkali treatment on mechanical and tribological properties of a novel carbon/jute hybrid porcine filled polyester composite

Growing environmental concern as a result of increased waste has encouraged a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to material creation. With this in consideration, a polyester-based hybrid composite was developed in this research, featuring infill composed of pig bone powder and carbon and jute fiber reinforcement. Tensile strength, impact strength, and specific wear of jute fiber treated with alkali solution with varied sodium hydroxide (NaOH) percentages (0, 5, 10, 15) were investigated. The investigations were carried out in accordance with ASTM guidelines. To examine the effect of alkali treatment on jute fiber, energy dispersion spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were performed. Following the experiment, the fracture analysis was carried out by examining the scanning electron microscopic pictures of the material. The study discovered that alkali treatment of jute fiber resulted in the elimination of hemicellulose, which considerably adds to the improvement of the composite's performance characteristics. In comparison to the untreated fiber, 15% NaOH-treated composite enhanced tensile strength and specific wear by 35% and 45%, respectively.

Fractographical Characterization of Jute Fibre Reinforced Paper Composite Subjected to Drop Test

Plastic bags are one of the most widely used packaging materials in industries. Lower production cost, lightweight and high strength envisage its use in food packaging, carrier, and transportation industries. However, these plastic bags are non-biodegradable and cause serious water and soil pollution. It is one of the most thrust areas of research to overcome this problem in the current world. In the present investigation, fabrication, and characterization of an environmentally friendly and biodegradable "jute fibre reinforced paper composite" and "reinforcement free paper laminate" subjected to drop test were done. The standard procedure of the "MIL-STD-810G 516.6" drop test was followed. The adhesion between the matrix (paper) and reinforcement (jute fibre) was produced by applying a chemical-free adhesive made of flour and water. There were four different types of samples: single paper (SP), reinforcement-free paper laminate (RFPL), single-layer jute fibre reinforced paper composite (SLJPC), and double-layer jute fibre reinforcement paper composite (DLJPC). The microstructural characterization of the fractured surface after the drop was done using a scanning electron microscope operated at a voltage of 20 kV. The DLJPC samples had the maximum density and envisage drop-strength of 7 times as compared to the SP samples having the lowest density. The drop-strength exhibited linear regression with density for all the samples. The microstructure of the as-received matrix showed a non-homogeneous distribution of fibres along with micro-voids which were susceptible sites for the fracture. Unlike as-received matrix fibres distribution, the reinforcement fibres were aligned in two mutually perpendicular directions which leads to its strengthening. Hence, it can be said that the non-uniform structural properties envisaged by the as-received matrix can be compensated by uniformly distributed structural properties of the as-received reinforcement when both come together as a composite. The primary fracture mechanism of SP samples exhibited fibre breaking along with a few fibres' delamination. However, in the case of the RFPL sample, the nature of adhesion applied was capable to hold both the interfaces and the primary fracture mechanism was fibre breaking. It is suggested that the adhesive applied transmitted load through the interfaces. Unlike SP sample, the RFPL sample exhibited some adhesive pull-off. The fractured surface of the SLJPC sample showed that the matrix did not subject to fracture, however, reinforcement did fracture hence the load was transferred from matrix to reinforcement followed by a rupture of the reinforcement. Therefore, the primary fracture mechanism for the SLJPC sample was reinforcement rupture. The DLJPC sample showed a delamination of matrix and reinforcement.

Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Jute Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composites and Lime Sludge as a Filler

Mechanical and Thermal Characterization of Jute Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Composites and Lime Sludge as a Filler

Effect of jute fiber reinforcement on the mechanical properties of expanded perlite particles-filled gypsum composites

In this work, jute fiber reinforced gypsum composites (JRGCs) and unreinforced gypsum composites (URGCs) using varying amounts of expanded perlite particles as filler were manufactured to investigate the effects of perlite content and fiber reinforcement on the mechanical properties of the composites. The prepared composites were characterized for density, compressive properties, flexural properties, and failure behaviour during both compression and flexural tests. The incorporation of perlite and jute fibers in gypsum showed both positive and negative impacts on the mechanical properties. The addition of expanded perlite in pure gypsum improved the density, specific compressive strength, compressive modulus, and compressive toughness. The flexural modulus and toughness were enhanced remarkably for both JRGCs and URGCs due to the addition of perlite although the flexural strength was decreased. The compressive and flexural toughness were increased by 140.73 % and 3608.03 % respectively due to 2.44 % jute fiber reinforcement in the pure gypsum although the compressive and flexural strength were decreased by 12.79 % and 13.94 % respectively. The failure mechanisms during compression and flexural tests were positively changed and the crack propagation after failure initiation was successfully arrested by jute fiber reinforcement.

Biodegradable nonwoven bonded fabric from Tossa jute and polylactic acid fibre for carry bag

A sustainable flexible nonwoven fabric has been developed using jute (Corchorus olitorius) and polylactic acid (PLA) fibres. The thermal bonding technique has been used to soften the PLA component which behaves as the matrix in jute fibre reinforcement. The central composite rotatable design has been adapted to understand the effects of the independent variables, such as PLA content, roller temperature and roller pressure on mechanical properties, such as tenacity, breaking elongation, initial modulus, energy-at-break, bursting strength and tear strength. Considering the linear, quadratic and two-way interactive effects of independent variables, the second-order polynomial has been suggested which proves good association. The optimised process parameters are PLA content 30%, jute content 70%, roller temperature 170°C and roller pressure 150 N/cm2. The property comparison with commercial bag fabric shows that the developed jute-PLA fabric is better in many useful aspects. Three types of bags with carrying capacity of 2.5, 5 and 10 kg have been prepared. The results of the hanging test, wetting test, drop resistance test and atmospheric resistance test of the developed bag in comparison to the commercial bag show that the developed bag from jute-PLA performs better. No significant change is found after 10 wetting-drying cycles and hence, the bags are reusable. The fabric can be used successfully as a carry bag or shopping bag. As the process and components of developed fabric are ecofriendly, it will be sustainable and ecofriendly.

Effects of Fibre Moisture Content on the Mechanical Properties of Jute Reinforced Compressed Earth Composites

This paper presents an experimental investigation into the influence of fibre moisture content on the mechanical properties of Jute Fibre Reinforced Compressed Earth Composites (JRCECs). The addition of 0.5% by weight of jute fibre at natural moisture content increased the tensile and compressive strength by approximately 3 and 2 times respectively, when compared to unreinforced samples. The results indicate that soaking and drying jute fibre causes a reduction in the mechanical properties of the fibre and the JRCEC. It was found that jute fibres at natural moisture content should be incorporated in JRCECs to achieve optimum compressive and tensile strength.

Case study on soil-reinforced embankment slope stability with natural fibre additives

In this work, an attempt was made to study the influence of jute fibre reinforcement with the help of three case studies. The first case study described laboratory model testing and numerical analysis performed on a modelled slope that simulated an existing embankment that failed on many occasions following overnight heavy rainfall. The second case study discussed how vegetation may minimise the likelihood of soil separation and the velocity of surface run-off by decreasing surficial soil erosion. Jute geotextiles have excellent hydrophilic characteristics that aid plant development; for this reason, they were used in the case study. The third case study developed a multi-fibre approach to traditional geotextiles to create an eco-sustainable product(s) with superior geotechnical qualities for improving the efficiency of earthen structures using soft revetments. The conclusion of these case studies expressed the novel objective of improvement of embankments with stability analysis. This research also involved soil sample testing and numerical modelling using the GeoStudio software suite. The slope model considers reinforcement with different numbers of rows of jute tassels on the embankment for enhanced stability and factor of safety. The presence of jute fibre geotextiles results in better performance in the stabilisation of soil and the minimum value of deformation and maximum value of the factor of safety.

Effect of Jute Fibre Reinforcement on Shear Strength of Concrete

This research work examined the effect of jute fibre on the shear strength of concrete. Fibre volume fractions of 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75% for grades 25, 30, 35 and 40 N/mm2 respectively were used. A total of 32 beams and 96 cubes were prepared. 16 beams and 48 cubes were cured at room temperature for 28 days, while the other 16 beams and 48 cubes were cured for 28 days and kept for a period of 6 months to be observed for durability with respect to strength after testing. All the beams were tested under three-point loading system with a shear span, av = 2.5d. The results of the compressive strength showed that concrete made with 0.5% jute fibre for 28 days and 6 months gave percentage increase in compressive strength by 12%, 12.5%, 9.7% and 10.1% for grades 25, 30, 35 and 40 N/mm2 respectively compared to the control samples. Percentage increase in shear strength were by 24.5%, 16.1%, 27.9% and 16.5% for concrete grades 25, 30, 35 and 40 N/mm2 respectively compared to the control samples. The addition of the fibre to the concrete slightly reduced the workability of the concrete and increased the crack resistance of concrete.

Study of the mechanical properties of polylactide composites with jute reinforcements

Concern has arisen in recent years over the excessive use of oil-based materials, making the development of new materials with a low environmental impact all the more urgent. In this study, environmentally friendly composites were obtained using a thermoplastic polylactide (PLA) matrix with jute fibers (fabrics and non-woven mats) as reinforcement. PLA/jute biocomposites were manufactured by thermocompression. The effect of the amount of jute fiber reinforcement (in the 30–50 wt.% range) on the tensile and flexural properties of these composites was analyzed, and the fiber–matrix interaction was assessed by scanning electron microscopy. The results show that thermocompression molding is a simple technique for obtaining high-environmental-efficiency biocomposites with high reinforcement loadings (up to 50 wt.%). As expected, the tensile properties are directly related to the amount of fiber loading, as well as the directionality of these fibers in the composite. Mechanical performance is also highly dependent on fiber–matrix interactions. These biocomposites could be attractive as lightweight interior panels in the automotive industry, cases/covers in electric/electronic applications, and turbine blade components in the wind energy industry, among others, due to their balanced mechanical properties and the rather complex shapes that could be obtained by thermocompression.

Effect of Fibre Surface Treatment on the Mechanical Properties of Jute Fibre Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composite

ABSTRACT Interface between the fiber and polymer matrix plays a key role in fiber-reinforced composites. Modification of the interface by chemicals or particles promotes the interaction between fiber and matrix. In the present study, attempt has been made to modify the surface of jute fiber with starch particles, an eco-friendly and low-cost material. Coating of starch on jute fiber has been carried out by a solution-based approach with variation in fiber to starch ratio (100:1, 100:5, 100:10). Composites have been prepared by hand lay-up technique using starch uncoated and coated fibers along with unsaturated polyester resin (UPR). Fibers have been characterized by microscopy and thermal analysis which reveals the coating of starch particles on fibers. It has been observed that with increasing starch concentration roughness increases but higher content leads to smooth surface of the fiber. The mechanical properties of composite sheets have been evaluated by tensile, flexural and impact testing. Maximum tensile strength of 20.5 MPa and Young’s modulus of 1457.7 MPa has been obtained in composites having starch-coated fibers with fiber to starch ratio of 100:5. water absorption studies show marginal variation in water uptake by the composites with starch-coated jute fibers.

Natural fiber-reinforced light-weight cement blocks prepared from waste for sustainable development

Low density of the light-weight cement blocks offers an advantage in terms of dead load reduction, which is advantageous in structural design-reduction of size and numbers of load-carrying structural components is possible. Production of cement blocks, however, generally requires Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) which creates harmful environmental impacts. Utilization of waste as alternative raw materials for cement production is a route to alleviate the problem. This research aims at synthesizing eco-friendly cement-like material for production of light-weight cement blocks. The cement-like material were prepared from eggshells, cockleshells, and rice husk ash (RHA). With high content of calcium oxide and silica, eggshells and cockleshells are potential sources of calcium, whereas RHA is a good source of silicon. Additionally, a fuel-efficient solution combustion technique was employed in synthesis of the cement-like material. Phase identification analysis of the synthesized powder indicated that tri-calcium silicate (C3S), di-calcium silicate (C2S), tri-calcium aluminate (C3A),and tetra-calcium alumino ferrite (C4AF), which are main constituents of OPC, were obtained. To fabricate eco-friendly light-weight cement blocks, the synthesized cement-like material were mixed with cement, water, and additional RHA and cast into blocks. The optimal compressive strength and density of the cement blocks were in comparable range with the standard light-weight concrete defined by Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) and American Concrete Institute (ACI 213,2001). With jute fiber reinforcement, enhanced compressive strength of 20% was achieved, while elimination of spalling after compression test was clearly evident, implying a more ductile failure.

Natural Cellulosic Fiber Reinforced Concrete: Influence of Fiber Type and Loading Percentage on Mechanical and Water Absorption Performance.

The paper reports experimental research regarding the mechanical characteristics of concrete reinforced with natural cellulosic fibers like jute, sisal, sugarcane, and coconut. Each type of natural fiber, with an average of 30 mm length, was mixed with a concrete matrix in varying proportions of 0.5% to 3% mass. The tensile and compressive strength of the developed concrete samples with cellulosic fiber reinforcement gradually increased with the increasing proportion of natural cellulosic fibers up to 2%. A further increase in fiber loading fraction results in deterioration of the mechanical properties. By using jute and sisal fiber reinforcement, about 11.6% to 20.2% improvement in tensile and compressive strength, respectively, was observed compared to plain concrete, just by adding 2% of fibers in the concrete mix. Bending strength increased for the natural fiber-based concrete with up to 1.5% fiber loading. However, a decrease in bending strength was observed beyond 1.5% loading due to cracks at fiber−concrete interface. The impact performance showed gradual improvement with natural fiber loading of up to 2%. The water absorption capacity of natural cellulosic fiber reinforced concrete decreased substantially; however, it increased with the loading percent of fibers. The natural fiber reinforced concrete can be commercially used for interior or exterior pavements and flooring slabs as a sustainable construction material for the future.

Next-generation high-performance sustainable hybrid composite materials from silica-rich granite waste particulates and jute textile fibres in epoxy resin

In recent years, extensive efforts have been made to prepare composite materials using renewable and sustainable raw materials. Albeit significant advancements in bio-based fibre-reinforced composites, high water absorption and eventual degradation in properties remain a persistent issue the needs to be addressed. In this study, the epoxy-based hybrid green composites were prepared, where granite waste particulates were used as filler in synergy with jute fibre reinforcement. Milled granite particulates were characterized for their physical, chemical, mineralogical, and morphological aspects. Composites were prepared using hand layup followed by compression moulding techniques with high filler percentages (30, 50, and 60 wt%) and jute fibre content (2 and 4 layers). The influence of filler and fibres on physical properties (water absorption, thickness swelling, and density), mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact), electrical resistivity, and thermal conductivity of the prepared composites were studied. Loading with 60 wt% of granite waste filler and 4 layers of jute fibres resulted in composites with around 5% higher flexural strength, 16% higher tensile strength, 148% higher impact strength, and almost 150% higher thermal conductivity as compared to neat epoxy. The composites also exhibited very low water absorption (0.1%) with a nominal increase in density while containing electrical insulation property despite decreasing volume resistivity. Due to the high amount of mineral waste and natural fibre usage, these materials have very low embodied energy content, thus making them cost-effective, sustainable, and environment-friendly materials for structural and architectural applications. Additionally, the study also provides a potentially viable route for the effective utilization of mineral wastes, such as granite, whose growing accumulation has serious ramifications for the environment, living organisms, and the economy.

Investigation of Jute and Glass Fibre Reinforced Hybrid Composites Manufactured through Compression Molding Process

Expensive and non-biodegradable synthetic fibres are commonly utilized as reinforcement in composites for better mechanical properties. The eco-friendly and low-cost properties of natural fibres are promising alternative reinforcement for composites. In this study epoxy-based glass and jute fibres reinforced hybrid composites are fabricated varying fibre stacking sequences, 1jute-1glass alternatively (j-g-j-) and 4glass-9jute-4glass (4g-9j-4g). Hybridization of jute and glass fibre results better tensile, flexural and water absorption properties than only jute fibre reinforced composites but inferior to only glass fibre reinforced composites. The 4g-9j-4g stacking sequence resulted in better mechanical and water absorption properties than j-g-j-- stacking sequence. The effect of chemical treatment and glass microfiber infusion are also investigated. Chemically treated jute fibre and 2 wt.% microfiber infused hybrid composite shows about 42% improvements in flexural strength as compared to untreated and without microfiber infused composites. However, fibre chemical treatment and microfiber do not have a positive impact on tensile strength.