Impact of hydrophobic treatment of jute on moisture regain and mechanical properties of composite material

Abstract

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of fluorocarbon, hydrocarbon, and hybrid fluorocarbon on the mechanical properties and moisture regain of jute fiber reinforced composite materials. A significant difference in moisture regain values of treated and untreated reinforcement samples was observed, when the concentration of chemical finish (hybrid fluorocarbs) was 40 g/L. The composite made from treated reinforcement regained very low moisture content as well as exhibited improved mechanical properties (tensile and flexural strength). Having both characteristics (hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups) in hybrid fluorocarbon, the treated jute fibers and corresponding composites showed better properties as compared to counterparts treated by other two chemicals, due to better interface.