Mechanical and thermal properties of jute fibre reinforced composites

Composite materials based on natural fibres, especially jute, have the potential to be used in engineering load bearing applications. Inherent flaws within natural fibres interms of the presence of hydrophilic hydroxyl groups in their structure absorb atmospheric moisture which reduces the compatibility of these fibres with polymer matrices. Fibre surface modifications using chemical treatments have the potential to improve fibre-matrix compatibility. In this study, jute fibres were treated with different concentration of alkali (NaOH) solutions. The changes in fibre structure after treatment were investigated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis(TGA). Treated fibres were reinforced in polyester matrix to prepare composites by using hand lay-up method. The compatibility between fibre and matrix were analysed through mechanical property testing of the composites. Mechanical properties suchas flexural and compressive strength, modulus and strain at break of composites were studied and compared. Best results were observed on compressive and flexural properties respectively for 5% and 7% NaOH treated samples. Thermal stability was also enhanced for the treated fibres. In general, thermal and mechanical properties of the treated fibres and their composites were superior to the untreated fibres.