Physico-mechanical properties of coir and jute fibre reinforced hybrid polyethylene composites

Abstract

Composite materials are materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties, that when combined will produce a material with characteristics difference from the individual components. Hybrid composite means a special type of composite which contains more than one fibre material as a reinforcing filler. Multiple fibres reinforced composite gives a wide variety of mechanical properties with respect to single fibre containing composite. The eco-friendly nature, as well as processing advantage, light-weight and low cost, have enhanced attraction and interest of natural fibre reinforced composites. The objective of the present research is to study the mechanical properties of jute-coir fibre reinforced hybrid polyethylene composites. Composites were manufactured by using a hot press machine at three levels of fibre loading (5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, and 15 wt. %). Tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness tests were conducted for mechanical characterisation. Water absorption and scanning electron microscopic analysis were carried out as part of physical evaluation. Tensile test of composite showed a decreased tensile strength trend and increased Young's modulus trend with the increase in fibre content. During flexural, impact, and hardness tests, the flexural strength, flexural modulus, impact strength, and hardness were increased with increase in fibre loading. Water absorption also increased with increase in fibre loading. Scanning electron microscopic analysis showed the strongest adhesion between fibre and matrix in the 15% fibre reinforced composite. Based on the fibre loading used in this study, 15 % fibre reinforced composite resulted in the best set of mechanical properties.

Current Development and Future Perspective on Natural Jute Fibers and Their Biocomposites

“…There are number of studies available in the literature on the hybrid composites with the addition of another natural fiber such as coir and wool in different types of matrix materials in combination with the jute fiber [ 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 ]. In general, the fibers are chopped into short fibers and mixed with a predefined ratio before adding to the matrix material.…”

Experimentally Predicted Optimum Processing Parameters Assisted by Numerical Analysis on the Multi-physicomechanical Characteristics of Coir Fiber Reinforced Recycled High Density Polyethylene Composites

“…The impact strength of a material provides information regarding the energy required to break a specimen of a given dimension, the magnitude of which reflects the material's ability to resist a sudden impact [17]. Three specimens were tested and an average of these results taken.…”

Towards the Optimization of Process Parameters for Impact Strength of Natural Fiber Reinforced Composites: Taguchi Method

“…Maximum impact strength 265.87 J/m 2 was found for composite with 10% jute and 30% glass fiber by weight. Coir and jute-based hybrid composite were fabricated by Ahmed et al [18] and Physico-mechanical properties were investigated. The results of their analysis showed an increase in impact strength with an increase in fiber loading.…”