Physico-mechanical properties of coir and jute fibre reinforced hybrid polyethylene composites

Abstract

Composite materials are materials made from two or more constituent materials with significantly different physical or chemical properties, that when combined will produce a material with characteristics difference from the individual components. Hybridcomposite means a special type of composite which contains more than one fibre material as a reinforcing filler. Multiple fibres reinforced composite gives a wide variety of mechanical properties with respect to single fibre containing composite. The eco-friendlynature, as well as processing advantage, light-weight and low cost, have enhanced attraction and interest of natural fibre reinforced composites. The objective of the present research is to study the mechanical properties of jute-coir fibre reinforced hybridpolyethylene composites. Composites were manufactured by using a hot press machine at three levels of fibre loading (5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, and 15 wt. %). Tensile, flexural, impact, and hardness tests were conducted for mechanical characterisation. Water absorption and scanning electron microscopic analysis were carried out as part of physical evaluation. Tensile test of composite showed a decreased tensile strength trend and increased Young’s modulus trend with the increase in fibre content. During flexural, impact, andhardness tests, the flexural strength, flexural modulus, impact strength, and hardness were increased with increase in fibre loading. Water absorption also increased with increase in fibre loading. Scanning electron microscopic analysis showed the strongest adhesionbetween fibre and matrix in the 15% fibre reinforced composite. Based on the fibre loading used in this study, 15 % fibre reinforced composite resulted in the best set of mechanical properties.