Effect of γ (gamma)-radiation on mechanical properties of raw and polyethylene glycol-modified bleached jute reinforced polyester composite

Abstract

Purpose This paper aim to comparatively study of mechanical properties of gamma radiation treated raw and polyethylene glycol modified bleached jute reinforced polyester composite. The natural fiber-reinforced composite has been a wide area of research, and it is the preferred choice due to its superior physical and mechanical properties like low density, stiffness and light weight. Among several natural fibers, jute is one that has good potential as reinforcement in polymer composite. Jute fibers biodegradability, low cost and moderate mechanical properties make it as a preferable reinforcement material in the development of polymer matrix composites. Design/methodology/approach In the present work, raw jute fabrics-reinforced polyester composite (as RJPC) and polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified bleached jute fabrics-reinforced polyester composite (as MBJPC) were fabricated by the heat-press molding technique at 120°C for 5 min at a pressure of 5 tons. Prior to the composite formulation, low lignin content bleached jute fabrics were chemically modified with PEG for the better compatibility of the fabrics with the polyester matrix and enhancing elongation properties. All the composites irradiated with different gamma radiation dose in the range of 2 to 14 kGy. Findings The irradiated composites showed highest improved of mechanical properties at the 10 kGy γ-radiation dose. However, the hard and sunlight-sensitive high lignin content γ-RJPC showed higher mechanical properties except elongation properties compared to that of low lignin content γ-MBJPC. Originality/value After the γ-ray irradiation, both the γ-RJPC and γ-MBJPC developed high degree of cross-linking among the polyester molecules and thereto fabrics with the consequence of significant changed of surface morphology as observed by atomic force microscopy.