Jute/polyester composites natural fibers

Natural fibers can be classified as seed fibers (such as cotton), bast fibers (like flax, hemp, jute, kenaf, ramie), hard fibers (like sisal), fi-uit fibers (like coir), and wood fibers. The chemical composition and dimensions of some common agro-fibers are presented in Table 5.21. The origin of wood fibers can be sawmill chips, sawdust, wood flour or powder, cutter shavings, pulp or wood residues. As binders for these fibers, both thermosetting (like phenolic, epoxy, polyester) resins and thermosetting matrices [such as polyethylene (LDPE, HDPE), polypropylene (PP), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), polystyrene (PS)j can be used. Thermoplastic composites are, however, less expensive to process than thermosetting composites, in addition to their ability to be manufactured into complex shapes. 

All natural fibers are hydrophihc and their moisture content ranges from 3 to 13%. This leads to a very poor interface between natural fiber and the hydrophobic matrix and very poor moisture resistance. Several fiber surface treatments are used to improve the interface viz-thermal treatment, chemical treatment, and use of coupling agents (Bledzki and Gassan, 1999). Fillers are added to composites for technical and chemical reasons (Milewski and Katz, 1980). Calcium carbonate has maximum usage as filler in plastics and FRP due to its low cost, non-toxicity and lack of odor. Present work gives effectiveness of jute fabric treatment and addition of filler on properties of jute reinforced polyester composites (JFRP). 

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