Characterizing the mechanical behavior of eco-friendly hybrid polymer composites with jute and Sida cordifolia fibers

OBRABOTKAMETALLOV MATERIAL SCIENCE Vol. 26 No. 3 2024 Method Sida cordifolia fibres possess a number of characteristics that make it particularly suitable for combination with jute fibres in composite materials. Sida cordifolia fibres are known for its good tensile strength and flexibility, and when combined with jute fibres, it can improve the overall mechanical properties of the composite. Jute fibres are strong enough, andwhen combinedwith the elastic and resilient Sida cordifolia fibres, it produces a composite that is both strong and flexible. The chemical composition of Sida cordifolia fibres, which contain a significant amount of cellulose, is quite compatible with that of jute fibres. This compatibility can result in improved interfiber adhesion when used in a composite material. Improved bonding promotes better load distribution and increases the overall structural integrity of the composites [27]. Both Sida cordifolia and jute fibres are biodegradable and environmentally friendly. These fibers are natural, renewable resources that produce less environmental waste during processing and disposal compared to synthetic fibres. Its combined use in composite materials contributes to sustainable development goals by reducing the dependence on non-renewable polymer-based fibres and lowering the carbon footprint of the materials produced. While jute fibers have a relatively high-water absorption rate, which can lead to swelling and subsequent deterioration of mechanical properties, blending with Sida cordifolia fibres, which may have different moisture retention properties, can help mitigate this problem. A hybrid fibre composite can be designed to take advantage of the moisture resistance of Sida cordifolia and compensate for the hygroscopic disadvantages of jute fibres [28]. Both fibres are cost-effective, especially in regions where it grows naturally. The use of Sida cordifolia as a hybrid material with jute can keep the material costs low while providing high performance, making hybrid composites economically viable for various applications. The hybrid composite made from Sida cordifolia and jute fibers can be used in various applications including automotive, packaging, and building materials. The combination can be tailored for specific applications requiring mechanical properties or environmental resistance [29]. These synergistic properties make Sida cordifolia fibers an excellent candidate for combination with jute fibers, which can potentially result in composites that are strong, durable, and suitable for a wide range of applications. Therefore, in the manufacturing process, Sida cordifolia fibers are mixed with a reinforcing material, i.e., jute fibers, and the matrix used in the process is PLA, which is a thermoplastic polymer. Arrangement of polymer composite layers The hybrid composite of jute and PLA with an increased proportion of treated Sida cordifolia fibers is shown in Figure 3. All composite materials were preheated at 80 °C for about 4 hours before being placed in the mold. All materials preheated to 80 °C for about 4 hours were layered in the above order in the preheated mold at 170 °C. The mold was sealed at the top and bottom with Teflon sheets to prevent the composite from sticking to the mold when a load was applied. After packing the mold, the load specified in Table 4 was applied to it. After 15 minutes of successful application of the load to the mould, the heating was stopped. The mold was cooled under a pressure of 150 kN for 120 minutes. As a result of the experiments, 4 different composite specimens were obtained: Specimen 1: Jute + PLA; Specimen 2: Jute + Untreated Sida cordifolia fibers + PLA; Fig. 3. Arrangement of Fiber layers

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