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

Abstract

Natural 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.