Potent application of jute polyethylene composites for storage tank as a function of fiber treatment

Abstract

The jute polyethylene nanocomposites were manufactured using the hot-press technique with different fiber weight fractions. The hydrophilic nature of fiber exhibited poor interfacial interaction to hydrophobic polymer matrix. Three types of chemical reagents such as: benzenediazonium salt (BDS), propionic anhydride (PA), and 3-isocyanatopropyl triethoxysilane (Silane) have been used to reduce hydrophilicity of jute fibers. The chemical resistance tests of prepared composites were performed in order to observe whether these composites are resistant to various chemicals such as: acids, alkalis, and solvents. It was observed that the fabricated composites were resistant to all chemicals except carbon tetrachloride. The treated jute composites showed higher chemical resistance than raw jute composite and silane treated jute composite gave the highest resistance which can be suggested for making the water and chemical storage tanks.