Effect of stacking sequence on the erosive wear behavior of jute and juteglass fabric reinforced epoxy composite

Abstract

In this present work the effect of stacking sequence on erosive wear behavior of untreated woven jute and glass fabric reinforced epoxy hybrid composites has been investigated experimentally. Composite Laminates were fabricated by hand lay-up technique in a mold and cured under light pressure for one hour, followed by curing at room temperature for forty eight hours. All the laminates were made with a total of 4 plies, by varying the number and position of glass layers so as to obtain six different stacking sequences. One group of only jute laminate was also fabricated for comparison purpose. The erosion rates of these composites have been evaluated at different impingement angles (30-90 0) and at three different particle speeds (v=48, 70, 82m/s).The erodent used is silica sand with the size range 150-250 µm of irregular shapes.The impingement angle was found to have a significant influence on the erosion rate. The composite material showed semi ductile behaviour with maximum erosion at 45 0 impingement angle. The morphology of the eroded surface was examined by SEM.It is conclude from the study that the erosive wear behavior of natural fiber jute can be improved significantly by hybridizing with synthetic fiber glass.