Track: Masters Thesis Competition

Abstract

Jute fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites are highly desirable because they can offer sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. Researchers have been trying to improve the overall characteristics of these composites in different ways, alkali treatment is one of them. In this study, the effect of NaOH treatment on the mechanical characteristics of randomly distributed non-woven jute fiber reinforced epoxy composites is investigated. The effects of various NaOH concentrations (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) on mechanical properties are investigated by experimentation. The composites were fabricated using hand layup followed by the compression molding method. The treatment of fibers using 5% NaOH solution showed a significant improvement in tensile strength, flexural strength, tensile modulus, flexural modulus, and energy absorption while maintaining a tolerable elongation at break. The treatment of fibers using higher NaOH concentration caused a decrease in tensile and flexural properties due to possible fiber damage during treatment. Fiber treatment using NaOH is found to be effective for the enhancement of mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites but care should be taken to optimize the concentration of NaOH used for fiber treatment.