Effect of jute fibre loading on the mechanical and thermal properties of oil palm–epoxy composites

Abstract

Bilayer hybrid composites fabricated by hand lay-up technique by impregnating oil palm empty fruit bunch and jute fibre mats with epoxy resin and cured at 100℃ for 1 h followed by post curing at 105℃. Bilayer hybrid composites were prepared by varying the relative weight fraction of the two fibres. The mechanical, morphological and thermal properties of oil palm/jute bilayer hybrid composites were carried out. When the jute fibre loading is increased in the bilayer hybrid composites, flexural strength and modulus of the hybrid composites will be higher. The hybridization of the jute fibres with oil palm composite decreased the impact strength of the bilayer hybrid composites. Analysis of variance statistical of flexural and impact properties were also carried out; there is a statistically significant difference between the mean flexural strength, flexural modulus and impact strength from one level of composite to another at the 95.0% confidence level. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that thermal stability of oil palm composites increased with development of bilayer hybrid composites. Scanning electron micrographs of impact fracture samples are taken to study the failure mechanism, and fibre/matrix interface adhesion.