Alkali pre-treatment of jute yarns for reinforcement in epoxy composites

Abstract

In this study, alkali treatment of jute yarns of different counts has been carried out for their subsequent application as reinforcing material in composite. The alkali treatment conditions have been optimised to improve the interaction between fibrous material and matrix. It is observed that the responses of different yarns are different. Other than the types of fibre, the structure of yarn has significant influence on the responses. The maximum tenacity is obtained at a lower alkali concentration for the lower count (4 lb/spyndle) and at a higher alkali concentration for the highest count (12 lb/spyndle). While for the medium counts of 6 lb/spyndle, 8 lb/spyndle, and 10 lb/spyndle, maximum tenacity is obtained at 10% NaOH concentration. XRD, FTIR, and SEM studies authenticate the partial delignification of the jute yarn and increase in the crystallinity after the alkali treatment.