Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 11
Jute/Polyester Composites
S. K. Malhotra
iNtroduCtioN
Glass, carbon, Kevlar, and boron fibers are used as reinforcing materials for fiber re-
inforced plastics (FRP), which are widely accepted as materials for both structural and
non-structural applications. However, these materials are resistant to biodegradation
and pose environmental problems. Natural fibers from plants such as jute, bamboo,
sisal, coir, and pineapple have high strength and can be effectively used for many
load-bearing applications. These fibers have special advantage over synthetic fibers
in that they are abundantly available from a renewable resource and are biodegrad-
able (de Albuquerque et al., 2000). Also, they have low density, high toughness and
acceptable specific strength. Among all natural fibers, jute is more promising because
it is relatively inexpensive and commercially available in many forms (Gowda et al.,
1999). One of the most easily available forms of jute fabric is the Hessian cloth (Uddin
et al., 1997).
All natural fibers are hydrophilic and their moisture content ranges from 3 to 13%.
This leads to a very poor interface between natural fiber and the hydrophobic matrix
and very poor moisture resistance. Several fiber surface treatments are used to im-
prove the interface viz-thermal treatment, chemical treatment, and use of coupling
agents (Bledzki and Gassan, 1999). Fillers are added to composites for technical and
chemical reasons (Milewski and Katz, 1980). Calcium carbonate has maximum usage
as filler in plastics and FRP due to its low cost, non-toxicity and lack of odor. Present
work gives effectiveness of jute fabric treatment and addition of filler on properties of
jute reinforced polyester composites (JFRP).
Several treatments have been suggested to improve fiber/matrix interface in natu-
ral fiber composites. Also, fillers are added in composites to reduce costs with accept-
able performance. By effective treatment of readily available natural fiber fabrics and
suitable filler addition, utilization of natural fiber composites can be increased. Present
work examines the effectiveness of surface treatment methods when applied to whole
fabrics. The effect of filler on performance of jute fiber composites is also investigated.
Evaluation of mechanical properties and moisture absorption of jute fabric reinforced
thermosetting polyester is carried out. Calcium carbonate filler up to 40% of resin
weight was used. It is observed that mechanical properties of composite are signifi-
cantly improved by fabric treatment. Alkali treatment of jute fabric is found to reduce
moisture absorption. It is observed that addition of calcium carbonate filler reduces
tensile strength significantly but flexural strength is not much affected. Whole fabric
treatment and filler addition can be effectively used to produce low cost natural fiber
composites.
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