JUTE AND COTTON COMPOSITES REINFORCED UNSATURATED POLYESTER

Abstract

In this study, the effect of adding two different types of reinforcing natural fibers (jute and cotton) singly and in combination as a hybrid to unsaturated polyester resin was investigated. At the first discontinuous random fibers used in (5)mm length are added separately with different weight fraction as (3, 4.5, 6, and 7.5 wt.%) for both types fibers, then these fibers were mixed at (3.75 wt.% jute, 3.75 wt.% cotton) in (5)mm long. and The mechanical tests (hardness, Impact, and compression), as well as moisture absorption, are performed. The results show an increase in these properties with increasing weight fraction of fibers (jute & cotton) and reach the maximum amount at the addition of weight fraction of (7.5 wt.%) of both fibers (jute and cotton) separately. All composite specimens reinforced with jute fibers showed the highest hardness, Impact, compression, and moisture absorption among the composite specimen reinforced by cotton fibers and higher than in combination as a hybrid it was (93.1, 28.81 KJ/m2, 205 Mpa., and 1.4%) respectively.