Optimizing the Fabric Architecture and Effect of γ-Radiation on the Mechanical Properties of Jute Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites

Abstract

The fiber architecture can significantly influence the rate of impregnation of a resin in making composites and the load-bearing ability of individual fibers on testing of the loading directions. Moreover, achieving the maximum mechanical performance of a natural fiber composite selection of yarn liner density and optimization of fabric structure and further modification of the composites remains a great challenge for the composite research community. In this study, a number of jute-based woven derivatives (plain, 2/1 twill, 3/1 twill, zigzag based on a 2/2 twill, and diamond based on a 2/2 twill) have been constructed from similar linear densities of yarn. The effect of the fabric architecture and further modification of optimized composites by applying γ-radiation is also explained in this study. The experimental results show a 54% increase in tensile strength, a 75% increase in tensile modulus, a 69% increase in flexural strength, a 124% increase in flexural modulus, and 64% increase in impact strength of twill (3/1) structured jute fiber polyester composites in comparison to other plain and twill structured composites. A further mechanical improvement of around 20–30% is possible for the optimized twill structured composites by applying γ-radiation on the composites. An FTIR, TGA, and SEM study confirms the chemical, thermal, and fractographic changes after applying the modification of composites.

Fabrication and investigation of the physico-mechanical properties of Jute-PALF reinforced LLDPE hybrid composites: Effect of gamma irradiation

“…Up to a certain dose (7.50 kGy irradiation), enough chain scission and cross-linking among the molecules of PALF, jute fibre, and LLDPE in composite occurred, as well as mechanical performance was improved. As the gamma radiation was increased, a large amount of chain scission occurred, and the desired characteristics began to deteriorate [ 2 , 11 , 22 , 34 , 35 ].…”

“…Gamma irradiation is the application of ionising radiation to a specific body with the highest energy and shortest wavelength gamma rays. It can improve the reinforcing fiber's compatibility with the polymer matrix [ 22 ]. As a result, the physico-mechanical properties (tensile strength and modulus, bending or flexural strength and modulus, impact strength, density, dimensional stability, and so on) and thermo-chemical properties (chain scission as well as cross-linking within matrix and reinforcement, interfacial polarisation and orientation, thermal stability, hydrophobicity, glass transition temperature, and so on) of natural fibre reinforced polymer composites increased up to a specific dose [ 2 , 11 , 23 ].…”

“…As a result, the physico-mechanical properties (tensile strength and modulus, bending or flexural strength and modulus, impact strength, density, dimensional stability, and so on) and thermo-chemical properties (chain scission as well as cross-linking within matrix and reinforcement, interfacial polarisation and orientation, thermal stability, hydrophobicity, glass transition temperature, and so on) of natural fibre reinforced polymer composites increased up to a specific dose [ 2 , 11 , 23 ]. This method is less expensive, easier to use, and takes less time to expose than x-rays or ultraviolet radiation [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Various researchers have made remarkable attempts to assess the effects of gamma irradiation on various natural fibre reinforced polymer composites, such as jute-polyester [ 22 ], bagasse fibre-waste polypropylene [ 26 ], jute-polypropylene [ 27 ], PAN-carbon fibre [ 28 ], jute-LDPE [ 29 ], silk-polypropylene/natural rubber [ 30 ], and so on.…”

“…This method is less expensive, easier to use, and takes less time to expose than x-rays or ultraviolet radiation [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ]. Various researchers have made remarkable attempts to assess the effects of gamma irradiation on various natural fibre reinforced polymer composites, such as jute-polyester [ 22 ], bagasse fibre-waste polypropylene [ 26 ], jute-polypropylene [ 27 ], PAN-carbon fibre [ 28 ], jute-LDPE [ 29 ], silk-polypropylene/natural rubber [ 30 ], and so on. At 7.5 kGy gamma irradiation, another investigation found that 1:1 (weight fraction) untreated PALF-LDPE composite had the best physico-mechanical properties [ 23 ].…”

Optimization of Filler Content and Size on Mechanical Performance of Graphene/Hemp/Epoxy-Based Hybrid Composites using Taguchi with ANN Technique

“…The usual loadings of ordinary filaments, dust, graphite, ferrite, and others were used. All the research showed that the filler support marginally enhanced the mechanical properties of the composites by using regular fiber factor layering, which was incredibly hydrophobic and produced an unfavorable interaction with the hydrophobic grid [19]. Thus, several factors, such as the effect of filler hybridization by combining two charges in a comparable matrix, may influence how mechanically composite materials behave [20].…”