Experimental Investigation of Jute Fabric / Nano-SiO2 Reinforced Epoxy Composite

Abstract

The effect of Nano-SiO2 powder on the mechanical behavior of a jute fabric/epoxy composite has been investigated experimentally. Due to qualities like biodegradability, strength, light weight, and affordability, composites are preferred for static and dynamic applications. Nano–SiO2 powder size of 15 nm was used as a filler material. Hand lay-up techniques were used to develop the composites, which had filler contents of 2%, 3%, and 5% Nano–SiO2 by weight of the epoxy resin. Tensile, Impact, Wear, Moisture Absorption, and Thermo–Gravimetric Analysis were used to characterize the mechanical properties of the composites. The results reveal that the jute/epoxy composite is significantly improved by the hybridization process using fillers. The maximum improvement in the composite’s tensile (44.09 MPa), impact (4 joules), wear, moisture absorption (0.5–4%), and thermos-gravimetric (2.96%) properties is achieved when 2 wt.% of nano-SiO2 is added.