Effect of silane treatment on mechanical performance in Kevlar/jute hybrid composites- an experimental investigation

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanical performance of Kevlar/jute hybrid composites with and without silane treatment. Synthetic Kevlar and natural jute fibres were combined in an epoxy matrix to produce hybrid laminates that balance high strength with sustainability. The composites were fabricated using vacuum infusion to ensure uniform resin dispersion, while silane treatment was applied to selected samples to enhance durability and fibre–matrix adhesion. Four composite plates (300 × 300 × 3 mm) with different fibre stacking configurations were tested for tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, strain energy, resilience, and toughness. The results confirmed the beneficial effects of Kevlar reinforcement and silane treatment, with Plate 3 (K-K-K-J-J-K-K-K, silane-treated) exhibiting the highest tensile strength (47.72 N/mm2, 24.8 % higher than Plate 1), modulus of elasticity (31.56 GPa, 12 % higher), and strain energy (1.81 J, 41.4 % higher). Overall, silane-treated composites particularly those with a higher Kevlar content demonstrated superior mechanical properties and durability, making them suitable for marine, automotive, and aerospace applications. Future research should address impact resistance, long-term environmental durability, and nanofiller integration to further enhance the performance of hybrid composites.