EFFECT OF HEAT AND CHEMICAL TREATMENT ON MECHANICAL, THERMAL AND WATER ABSORPTION BEHAVIOR OF JUTE FIBER REINFORCED HIGH DENSITY POLYETHYLENE COMPOSITES

Abstract

Jute fiber/High density polyethylene (HDPE) composites were prepared as sandwiches of woven Jute mats and HDPE sheets. Composites fabricated using two Jute mats yielded best results: Tensile strength, Flexural Strength, Impact strength, and Water resistance. Furthermore, the effect of heat, alkali, and silane treatment on fiber was investigated. The results showed that treatments enhance mechanical properties and thermal stability considerably. Alkali and Silane treatment led to improved water resistance. Crystallite size was found to increase with treatment. Results obtained were found to concur with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of Jute fiber both untreated and treated (various treatments). Results were further confirmed by the morphological study of the fractured surface of composite after tensile tests