Physical and thermal properties of unidirectional banana–jute hybrid fiber-reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract

During the last few years, the hybrid composite materials are replacing the conventional composite materials because of their superior properties. In the present communication, unidirectional banana-jute hybrid fiber-reinforced epoxy composites were prepared by varying the fiber content from 0 to 40 wt% with different weight ratios. The physical and thermal properties of the hybrid composites were tested as per ASTM standards. The influence of fiber content on density, thermal conductivity, specific heat, thermal diffusivity, thermal stability, and water absorption of hybrid composites was investigated. A new micromechanical model for the transverse thermal conductivity of hybrid fiber-reinforced polymer composites is developed using the law of minimal thermal resistance and equal law of specific equivalent thermal conductivity. The results are validated with the results obtained by experimental, numerical simulation, and analytical methods existing in the literature. In numerical, steady state heat transfer simulations were performed to calculate thermal conductivity by using ANSYS software. It is encouraging to notice that the experimental and numerical results are in close approximation with the values predicted by the micromechanical model suggested in this work. It is found that the measured properties of the hybrid composites are suitable for building components and automobiles in order to decrease energy consumption.

Effect of dye and temperature on the physico-mechanical properties of jute/PP and jute/LLDPE based composites

“…Natural fiber composite has a good demand in the world for environmental and ecological concerns [12]. Among all the natural fibers, jute appears to be a promising material because it is relatively inexpensive and commercially available in tropical countries [13, 14, 15]. It has low density, higher strength, and modulus than plastic and is a good substitute for conventional fibers in many situations.…”

A brief review on mechanical and thermal properties of banana fiber based hybrid composites

“…When compared to pure PP the presence of nano clay in the composites improves the T c value to a greater extent. Thermal properties analysis on the hybrid composites prepared using banana and jute fiber [9,10] reinforced in the epoxy matrix have been fabricated and it was inferred that the addition of equal weight percentage of jute that is 50%wt possess excellent thermal and mechanical properties. The tensile, flexural and impact strength of the composites were increased by means of the hybrid fiber and the thermal property starts to decline in few weight percentage combination which is improved by means of fiber treatment also reported.…”

Finite element models of natural fibers and their composites: A review

“…Devireddy and Biswas 72 developed a 3D RVE model of banana-jute FRC to study the physical and thermal properties both in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Their RVE consisted of two banana fibers, two jute fibers and matrix.…”