The present paper discovers the effect of ceramic filler inclusion on physico-mechanical and water absorption behaviour of untreated and chemically treated (alkali and benzoyl chloride treated) bi-directional jute natural-fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. In practice, the major drawbacks of using natural fibers are their high degree of moisture absorption and poor dimensional stability. Currently, chemical treatments are able to induce fiber modifications that increase their resistance when utilized in composite products. Jute fibers were subjected to various chemical modifications to improve the interfacial bonding with the matrix. In this study, an analysis has been carried out to make pre-treated jute fiber (10, 20, 30 and 40 wt.%) and different filler content (5 and 10 wt.%) with epoxy-based composites. A comparative study of all the untreated jute/aluminium oxide based hybrid composites with chemically treated jute/aluminium oxide based hybrid composites was carried out. The investigational result reveals that chemically treated composites considerably improved the mechanical properties of the composite. The maximum water absorption resistance and strength properties were found with benzoyl chloride-treated fiber-reinforced composite. Lastly, the surface morphology of fractured surfaces after tensile and flexural testing is studied using scanning electron microscope.

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The present article depicts the specific wear rate of jute fiber reinforced epoxy composites with different weight percentage of fiber loading (10, 20, 30, 40 wt. %) and different chemical treatments (Alkaline and Benzoyl chloride treatment). The three-body abrasive wear analysis was studied according to ASTM-G65 using a rubber wheel abrasion apparatus (dry sand wear tester) at room temperature by varying different factors like fiber content, abrasive particle size, normal load and sliding distance. To calculate the abrasive wear behaviour of jute/epoxy composites, the design of experiments approach based on Taguchi's orthogonal array has been adopted. Steady state result shows that with the inclusion of chemical treatment in jute fiber improved wear resistance capacity of the composites. Finally, scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies revealed the morphologies worn surface of the composites such as micro-ploughing, formation of debris, micro cracking and fiber matrix de-bonding.

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In this work, a new class of hybrid composites consisting of needle-punched nonwoven viscose fabric reinforced epoxy filled with different weight proportions (0, 5, 10, and 15 wt%) of blast furnace slag (BFS) are prepared. The mechanical study of these composites indicated that hardness, impact strength are increased with increase in filler wt% whereas the properties like tensile, flexural and inter-laminar shear strength are reduced beyond 10 wt% of filler loading. Abrasive wear behavior of these composites is investigated by slurry abrasion test rig (ASTM G105). The optimum parametric combination is determined for minimum wear rate and further validated through confirmation experiment as per Taguchi experimental design. Slurry abrasion test results revealed that wear resistance of viscose fabric/ epoxy composites has been improved with the inclusion of BFS particulate fillers. The morphological study of abraded surfaces examined by scanning electron microscopy and the possible wear mechanisms responsible for wear are discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2335-2345, 2019

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During the last few decades, some ecological concerns have resulted in an improved interest in the natural fiber reinforced polymer composites because of their low cost, low density, lightweight, nontoxic, combustible, biodegradable, and high specific mechanical properties. Among various natural fibers, jute has been widely used for various applications due to its advantages. Currently, jute fiber based composites are mostly used in door panels, automotive parts, household goods, agriculture, and horticulture. Chemical treatments are able to induce fiber modifications that increase their resistance when utilized in composite products. The objective of the present research work is to study the physical, mechanical, and water absorption behaviour of jute fiber reinforced by epoxy composites with and without fiber treatment. A series of composites with different fiber content (10, 20, 30, and 40 wt%) is fabricated using a simple hand layup technique. Jute fibers were subjected to chemical modification namely, mercerization (alkali treatment) and benzoylation (benzoyl chloride treatment) to improve the interfacial bonding with the matrix. A comparison has been made between the untreated composites and treated composites. Finally, the surface morphology of fractured surfaces after tensile testing is also examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Experimental results show the significant improvement in mechanical properties for treated fiber composites. As far as the comparison of alkali treatment and benzoyl chloride treatment, the benzoylated jute fiber based composites show the better properties. Improvement in the water absorption resistance has also been recorded for the treated fiber composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2952–2960, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers