Valorization of natural resources of Bangladesh; jute fibre reinforced polymer composite

Abstract

Jute fiber as polymer reinforcement has gained its application about two decades ago. X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Fourier transformation infrared studies was conducted to elucidate surface chemical composition and functional groups of Bangla White Grade B (BWB) jute fiber. Fiber treatment and its pros and cons are also discussed with the assistance of crystallinity index studies. Analytical methodology was discussed in detail about the jute BWB jute fiber diameter measurement and percentage lumen exclusion prior to mechanical characterization. Study showed that the exclusion of percentage lumen have the ability to eliminate much of the statistical error of single jute fiber tensile test date. Thermal properties of BWB jute fiber was studied with thermo gravimetry. Study showed that the thermal stability is restricted to 250°C for during the TGA test. The processing dependency on mechanical properties of jute fiber epoxy composite was analyzed in detail. Observation showed modification of compression moulding enhanced the mechanical properties of jute epoxy composite compared to the vacuum assisted resin infiltration and hand layup process. Wetability aspect of jute fiber with epoxy resin was also analyzed with modified compression moulding technique. Additionally, the thermal degradation behaviour was seen to enhance in case of the jute epoxy composite compared to the matrix or jute fiber. The improvement and degradation of longitudinal and transverse properties were analyzed with dynamic mechanical analysis and X-ray micro computer tomography. Moisture effect was also studied for some specific jute epoxy composites. Fracture surface of the entire mechanically tested composite was conducted with scanning electron microscopy. Impregnated resin inside jute fiber lumen was found due to vacuum applied to the jute preform but did not precisely affected the composite mechanical properties. The effect of fiber orientation on the mechanical properties of jute epoxy composites were studied with angle ply laminate. Classical mechanical approach and fracture surface studies were adopted to analyze the mechanical response of these laminates.