• Composites Research
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• v.31 no.6
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• pp.398-403
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• 2018

Recently, environmental pollution caused by plastic waste, ecosystem disturbance of micro-plastics and human body accumulation are becoming big problems. In order to replace the traditional plastic, eco-friendly resin and natural fiber-based composite materials have been developed, but they have a disadvantage that their mechanical properties are significantly lower than those of synthetic fiber-based composites. In this study, eco - friendly nanofiber was extracted from seaweed and used as an additive in order to improve the mechanical properties of jute fiber-reinforced composites. Through the hand lay-up process, the composites were fabricated, and it was confirmed that the nanofiber was effective in improving the mechanical properties of natural fiber composites through tensile, bending and drop weight impact tests.

• Composites Research
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• v.27 no.3
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• pp.96-102
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• 2014

In this study, we fabricated jute fiber reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composite in the form of sandwich panel structure which includes core foam of chopped jute fiber reinforced PLA and outer skin layer of continuous glass fiber reinforced PLA. Flexural properties of the composite were assessed for different jute fiber weight fractions. Density of the core foam ranged from 0.31 to 0.67 $g/cm^3$ and void content fraction 0.51 to 0.71. The maximum flexural strength was 92.7 MPa at 12.5 wt.% of jute fiber content, and the maximum flexural modulus was 7.58 GPa at 30.0 wt.%. Cost analysis was also conducted. The cost to enhance the flexural strength of the applied structure was estimated to be $0.010USD/m^3/MPa$ for 12.5 wt.% fiber content.

• Elastomers and Composites
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• v.46 no.3
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• pp.204-210
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• 2011

In this study, Jute fibers reinforced polypropylene (JFRP) composites were manufactured by injection molding technique. In order to improve the affinity and adhesion between fibers and thermoplastic matrices during manufacturing, Maleic anhydride (MA) as a coupling agent have been employed. Untreated and treated surfaces of jute fibers were characterized using SEM and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Physical properties like water absorption rate were studied. Tensile and flexural tests were carried out to evaluate the composite mechanical properties. Tensile test and bending test indicated that JFRP composites show higher strength and modulus than pure PP. In addition, strength and modulus were found to be influenced by the variation of MAPP content (1%, 2%, and 3%). Tensile fracture surfaces were examined using scanning electron microscope. It ensures better interfacial adhesion between fibers and matrix by increasing the percentage of MAPP.

• Composites Research
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.1-5
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• 2011

Since the environmental problems and new stricter regulations are forcing the industries to introduce more ecological materials for their products, biodegradable materials have attracted increasing attention. Among these materials, Polylactic acid(PLA) is a promising candidate for its modulus, strength, chemical resistance. However, PLA could not be used for automobile industries for its low heat resistance and impact strength. In this study natural fibers were (jute fiber was) introduced as reinforcements in order to improve heat resistance and impact strength of PLA. Especially for improving the adhesion between PLA and jute, various surface treatments were tried. With each treatment, we verified that the impact strength of composite was improved. With annealing treatment, we found a remarkable increase of heat resistance of PLA composite.