Journal Article

Experimental investigation of mechanical properties of jute/hemp fibers reinforced hybrid polyester composites

Syduzzaman, Md, Islam, Md. Zahidul, Sabir, Emel Ceyhun

2024

Overview

One of the primary drawbacks associated with natural fiber reinforced composites is their relatively poor mechanical properties. One potential approach to overcome this challenge is to augment the fiber loading, thereby improving the interfacial characteristics and hybridization. In this study, hybrid polyester composite structures reinforced with jute/hemp fibers were fabricated via the hand layup process, with fiber loadings varying between 30%, 50%, and 70% by volume. Fibers were subjected to alkali solutions (NaOH) containing 3% and 5% alkali in advance of the composites' formation. The impact, flexural, and tensile characteristics of hybrid jute/hemp reinforced polyester composites were investigated via laboratory studies. The composite materials that underwent testing with a 50 vol% fiber loading and 3% NaOH exhibited the maximum tensile strength (26.6 MPa), tensile modulus (733.56 MPa), flexural strength (62.7 MPa), and flexural modulus (3.04 GPa). Highlights Hybrid polyester composite structures reinforced with jute/hemp fibers were fabricated. Hand layup method used with various fiber loadings (30%, 50%, and 70% by volume). Highest mechanical properties were obtained for 3% NaOH treatment and 50% fiber loading. Fiber reinforced polymer composites.

• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc,Wiley
• Subject: Composite materials / Composite structures / Fiber composites / Fibers / Flexural strength / Hand lay-up / Hemp / hybrid composites / impact strength / Jute / jute/hemp hybrid composites / Mechanical properties / Modulus of elasticity / Modulus of rupture in bending / Polyesters / polymer composites / Sodium hydroxide / structural composites / Tensile strength