Natural fabric sandwich laminate composites: Development and investigation

Abstract

In this work, eco-friendly natural fabric sandwich laminate (NFSL) composites are formulated using jute and linen-fabric-reinforced epoxy with different layer ratios (5:0, 4:1, 3:2, 2:3, 1:4 and 0:5) by hand layup system. Different mechanical attributes (tensile, flexural and impact) of the NFSL composites are quantified. Thermal stability and water absorption behaviour of the NFSL composites are also assessed. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) and optical microscope are used for qualitative analysis of NFSL composites' interfacial properties. Two layers of jute and three layers of linen sandwich laminate have registered peak values in tensile and impact properties. The five layers of linen laminate composite have exhibited high flexural strength, been proven to have good thermal stability and furthermore shown better water absorption behaviour than any other laminate composites.