The Effect of Fiber Loading and Chemical Treatment on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Jute Biocomposites

This article summarizes an experimental study on the mechanical and thermal properties of high density polyethylene (HDPE) compression molding jute biocomposites. Various type of chemical treatment such as NaOH, silane treatment etc are performed to improve the adhesion between the fibers and the HDPE matrix. Variations in fiber percentage, fiber size are maintained as a function of mechanical properties and thermal properties are studied. Mechanical strength of composite shows that composites with silane and NaOH treated exhibit more mechanical strength than untreated composites. Mechanical properties are assessed by tensile, flexural and hardness test and thermal properties are assessed by melting temperature. From the result obtained, thermal characteristics of the composites can be conclude that composites made with NaOH and silane treatment of fiber exhibit more melting temperature compare to untreated one but not significantly. The morphology of the fiber is also examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM).