Study on physico-mechanical properties of woven jute fabric reinforced polymer composites

A detailed investigation has been carried out to determine physical and mechanical properties of jute fibre reinforced polymer composites. In present study, tensil e, flexural and impact properties as well as water absorption of woven jute fabric reinforced polymer com posite have been investigated with varying jute mat ply content. Composites were prepared by using hot compression molding method for Polyester (PE) and polyvinylchloride (PVC) matrices incorporated with wo ven jute fabrics as reinforcing agents. PVC show better resistance to water absorption as compared to polyester composites. Better mechanical properties are reported with an increase of fiber loading. Ductilit y behavior for polyester composites is improved while for highly plastic PVC ductility goes down with increas ing strength. In case for flexural strength of both composites peak in properties were observed upto four ply of mat and then go down for 5 and 6 ply content. Both the flexural strength and modulus were reduced after water absorption as compared to samples without water absorption. Scanning electron microgra phs (SEM) of the fracture surface of composites suggested weak fibre matrix adhesion in composites after water absorption.