Natural Jute Fiber Research Articles

Study of Mechanical and Thermomechanical Properties of Jute/Epoxy Composite Laminate

This article presents the development and the characterization of composite material (laminate) containing natural jute fiber reinforcement. Thermal characterization of jute fiber reinforcement shows the influence of the temperature on the mechanical behavior of fiber. At 180°C the jute fabric loses 50% of its mechanical characteristics. The laminate obtained by a process known as infusion is polymerized at a temperature lower than that which affects the mechanical properties of dry fabric. The digital image correlation carried out on laminated jute/epoxy (warp and weft direction) under tensile test shows the presence of a considerable gradient of deformation. This gradient is explained by the variability related to the local voluminal change of jute fibers of one place to the other and the nature of the weaving of the jute fiber. The three-point bending tests show a significant dispersion of rupture stress. The thermomechanical tests carried out on samples in the two principal directions, show that the thermal coefficient of expansion in warp direction is 48% larger compared to the weft direction. The thermogravimetric test shows that this laminate absorbs up to 4% water mass after 8 h in a climatic chamber with 70% moisture content.

Preparation and properties of biocomposites based on jute fibers and blend of plasticized starch and poly(β‐hydroxybutyrate)

AbstractIn this work, preparation and properties of biocomposites based on jute fibers and blend of plasticized starch and poly(β‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) have been investigated. Different amounts of glycerol and aliphatic polyesters (PHB) have been added to native starch to obtain a processable biodegradable matrix. In the same way natural jute fibers up to 30 wt % loading were added to improve the mechanical and thermal stability of the material. Tensile mechanical, thermal, and thermomecahnical analyses have been performed to characterize the ensuing materials. Significant enhancement in the mechanical properties and water sensitivity were noted by the addition of 8 wt % PHB. The fibers incorporation into the biopolymer matrix brings about an increase in both the mechanical strength and modulus as much higher as the fibers loading is important. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009

Study of the water uptake and internal defects of jute‐reinforced polymer composites with a digital neutron radiography technique

AbstractThe water‐uptake behavior of jute fabric and its composites with polycarbonate and polypropylene was monitor by a digital neutron radiography technique. The thermal neutron radiography facility of neutron transmission radiography (NEUTRA) at spallation source (SINQ) of the Paul Scherrer Institute was used for this work. The internal defects, such as voids, cracks, and inhomogeneity, of the composites were studied. The water‐uptake behavior of the jute fiber was also studied with a digital neutron radiography technique. The natural jute fiber showed higher water absorption than the composites. No voids or inclusions in these composites were observed. Moreover, both the jute and polymer were uniformly distributed and well mixed with the polymer matrix. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007

Use of Jute Fibre in Stone Matrix Asphalt

ABSTRACT Synthetic fibres are conventionally used in the construction of Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) in bituminous pavements. The synthetic fibres are not manufactured in India and are imported at a higher cost. As an alternative to synthetic fibre, coated jute fibres were used and its properties were studied. The paper presents details of the laboratory investigations carried out to determine the feasibility of use of natural fibre vis-a-vis synthetic fibre in bituminous gap graded mix. The performance of these mix were evaluated by conducting moisture susceptibility test, rutting test, accumulated strain and creep modulus and stiffness modulus. The test results indicated that the natural jute fibre can replace synthetic fibres in SMA mixture. A slightly higher accumulated strain and subsequently slightly lower creep modulus were observed as compared to SMA with synthetic fibre at 40°C and 50°C temperatures. However, Hamburg wheel test results indicated that permanent deformation is same in both fibres. The stiffness modulus of the SMA with natural fibre is slightly lower as compared to SMA with synthetic fibre at 25°C and 35°C temperatures. The tensile strength ratio for both mixes is more than the prescribed limits. However, the construction cost of the SMA with natural fibre per metric ton is comparatively lower.

ジュート短繊維強化ＰＰ複合材料の最適界面強度と破壊形態の変化

Tensile strength of polypropylene composites reinforced with a natural jute fiber having different chopped lengths and surface treatment was measured. Three kinds of fiber treatments were applied to change the interfacial strength between fiber and matrix. The fragmentation test was also conducted with single jute fiber to determine the interfacial shear strength quantitatively. In situ micro observations of the fracture progress were carried out for single fiber notched specimens under tensile loading. It was found that there is the most effective interfacial strength to improve the tensile strength, nevertheless a few change is observed in fiber strength due to the treatment. For an interfacial strength lower than that of the most effective value, an interfacial debonding led a fatal failure of the composite. In opposite, for an interfacial strength higher than that, the fiber broke down at front of crack tip before the crack reached to the jute fiber. The most effective interfacial strength was shifted to higher value according to the shortening of fiber length. The opitimum state of the composite strength would be obtained by a combination of a low interfacial shear strength long and a low strength jute fibers. This result was explained with the applied stress to the fiber at interfacial failure calculated with the energy release ratio.