Thermoplastic Composites reinforced with Multi-layer Woven Jute Fabric: A Comparative Analysis

ABSTRACT

Three commonly available thermoplastic matrices – High-density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP) and nylon 6 – are reinforced with hessian jute fabric in multi-layer sequence to prepare composite laminates by compression moulding technique. The composite had a nominal fibre content of 18% in terms of weight and a nominal thickness of 6.5 mm. The mechanical and fracture behaviours of the resultant laminates are tested and compared. It was found that the Nylon-Jute composite exhibited the highest values of tensile strength, Young’s modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus and hardness. On the other hand, HDPE-Jute composite showed relatively poor performance. Interestingly, the HDPE-Jute composite exhibited the highest impact strength and the Nylon-Jute composite was the poorest in this regard. The amount of water absorption by the composites from highest to the lowest was found in the following order: Nylon-Jute > HDPE-Jute > PP-Jute.

KEYWORDS:

• Natural fibre
• jute
• woven fabric
• high-density polyethylene (HDPE)
• polypropylene
• nylon
• composite
• laminate

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the technical assistance and cooperation from Mr. Michael Green, Technical Officer, Faculty of Science & Engineering, and Mr. Derek Hebdon, Technical officer, Textile laboratory of the Manchester Metropolitan University.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no external funding.