Investigation of Jute and Glass Fibre Reinforced Hybrid Composites Manufactured through Compression Molding Process

Abstract

Expensive and non-biodegradable synthetic fibres are commonly utilized as reinforcement in composites for better mechanical properties. The eco-friendly and low-cost properties of natural fibres are promising alternative reinforcement for composites. In this study epoxy-based glass and jute fibres reinforced hybrid composites are fabricated varying fibre stacking sequences, 1jute-1glass alternatively (j-g-j-) and 4glass-9jute-4glass (4g-9j-4g). Hybridization of jute and glass fibre results better tensile, flexural and water absorption properties than only jute fibre reinforced composites but inferior to only glass fibre reinforced composites. The 4g-9j-4g stacking sequence resulted in better mechanical and water absorption properties than j-g-j-- stacking sequence. The effect of chemical treatment and glass microfiber infusion are also investigated. Chemically treated jute fibre and 2 wt.% microfiber infused hybrid composite shows about 42% improvements in flexural strength as compared to untreated and without microfiber infused composites. However, fibre chemical treatment and microfiber do not have a positive impact on tensile strength.