Development of Sustainable Jute/Epoxy Composite and Assessing the Effect of Rubber Crumb on Low Velocity Impact Response

Abstract

In the current study, the experimental assessment of influence of rubber crumb on the low velocity impact (LVI) behavior of jute epoxy composites are carried out using two types of impactors namely hemispherical and conical. Hand layup technique is used to fabricate the proposed composites. The rubber crumb is incorporated in the epoxy resin with 1.5 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt%. Results revealed that incorporation of 3 wt% of rubber crumb resulted in better LVI response compared to its counterparts. Fractography studies revealed that inclusion of rubber crumb particles enhances the adhesion between resin and fiber, thereby increasing the energy absorption. In addition, they aid in reducing damage area and increasing penetration threshold of proposed composites. The current study’s systematic technique serves as a model for the efficient use and conversion of waste rubber crumb into usable natural fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites for LVI applications.

Keywords

• low velocity impact
• jute
• rubber crumb
• polymer composites
• impactor shape
• sustainability