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Evaluation of surface treatment and fabrication methods for jute fiber/epoxy laminar composites
Author(s) -
Pinto Michael A.,
Chalivendra Vijaya B.,
Kim Yong K.,
Lewis Armand F.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
polymer composites
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.577
H-Index - 82
eISSN - 1548-0569
pISSN - 0272-8397
DOI - 10.1002/pc.22663
Subject(s) - materials science , composite material , epoxy , ultimate tensile strength , fabrication , crimp , absorption of water , porosity , volume fraction , void (composites) , silane , natural fiber , fiber , compaction , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology
Low fiber volume fraction and uncertain void content are continuing problems in natural fiber composites with continuous reinforcement. This study addresses these problems through the optimization of the Vacuum Infusion (VI) fabrication process for use with jute fabric reinforcement. The effects of reinforcement weave architecture, surface treatment, and fabrication method on the performance of jute fiber/epoxy laminated composites are subsequently characterized. Alkali and silane surface treatments were applied to enhance the fiber/matrix bonding. Wicking tests showed silane coupling produced jute yarn with zero water wicking and increased epoxy wicking. Extension of this treatment to reinforcing fabrics significantly reduced the moisture absorption of jute/epoxy composites. Constituent analysis showed traditional hand‐layup fabrication method results in composites with unacceptably high void content. For this reason, the VI method was employed and optimized. The addition of pre‐compaction and deadweight compaction steps resulted in composites having a near‐zero void content and a very good fiber volume fraction. Mechanical testing showed that the studied surface treatments improved tensile modulus in jute/epoxy composites, regardless of reinforcement architecture. Unidirectional preforms increased tensile strength and modulus due to reduced fabric crimp. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:310–317, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers