Effect of alkali treatment on mechanical properties of jute fiber-reinforced partially biodegradable green composites using epoxy resin matrix

In this work, partially biodegradable green composites have been developed with the help of compression molding technique. Jute fibers were selected as a reinforcement and epoxy resin as matrix material. The influence of alkali treatment on various mechanical properties of jute/epoxy composites was investigated, with concentrations ranging from 1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9% NaOH solution. Various test results indicate that with an increase in concentration, tensile and flexural strength increases up to 5% concentration of NaOH, thereafter both the properties decrease, but impact strength increases up to 7% concentration and thereafter decreases. The results of mechanical characterizations were further validated through the study of morphology with scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The optimal concentration of 5% concentration for alkali treatment of fibers have been suggested.