Development and comparison of cotton dust waste – jute and cotton dust waste – glass fiber reinforced epoxy based hybrid composites

Abstract

This paper presents the processing and mechanical characterization of cotton dust waste and jute (CDW&JT) fibers reinforced epoxy based hybrid composites and cotton dust waste and E-glass (CDW&EG) fibers reinforced epoxy based hybrid composites. In this experimental investigation, two new series of hybrid composites have been prepared by varying the proportions of natural and glass fibers with a total fiber content of 35% and resin content of 65%. The composites are prepared by hand layup method with untreated and alkali treated natural fibers. The mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength are evaluated and compared. The results show that alkali treatment of fibers has improved the mechanical properties. By selecting the proper fiber proportions, cotton dust waste and jute (CDW&JT) fibers reinforced epoxy composites can be substituted for cotton dust waste and E-glass (CDW&EG) fibers reinforced epoxy composites. Hence, the glass fibers can be replaced by natural fibers without losing mechanical properties.