Morphological Study of the Flexural Behaviour of Nanoclay Filled Jute/Kevlar Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composite

Abstract

Composites are occupying the place of conventional materials by meeting the requirements of industries of not only in aerospace sector but in automotive, mechanical, space, construction industries and biomedical applications, but the desire of achieving the higher modulus to density ratio always remains starved as it requires the maximum output in minimal consumption with better life expectancy to find the economical means of utilizing the technology for different applications. Hybrid composites are one of the most prominent materials that are being extensively used and is gaining momemtum due to factors like flexibility in design and higher strength to weight ratio. Natural fibre composite like jute has became more attractive due to its improvement in properties. Mixing of the jute with kevlar is finding its way for the new sort of research. In view of this, the new polymer hybrid composite is developed in which the jute and kevlar fibre is reinforced to the epoxy resin with the application of nanoclay at 1%wt, 2%wt, 3%wt, 4%wt which are fabricated by simple hand lay up technique. The interfacial properties, internal cracks and internal structure of the fractured surfaces are evaluated using the Scanning Electron Microscope(SEM). The results indicate that the incorporation of 3%wt nanoclay to the jute/kevlar has led to the improvement in bending property.