Analysis of mechanical properties and cost of glass/jute fiber-reinforced hybrid polyester composites

Polymers and their composites are one of the most advanced and adaptable engineering materials. The strength of any composite depends upon number of factors such as volume/weight fraction of reinforcement, L/D ratio of fibers, types of fibers, orientation angles, chemical treatment of reinforcement, and many others. The present work focuses on the analysis of mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact) of synthetic and natural fiber (glass/jute)-reinforced polyester composites. An attempt is made to reduce the usage of synthetic glass fibers by incorporating natural jute fibers such that the resultant hybrid composite shows increased strength when compared with single reinforcements of glass or jute fibers. The test specimens were prepared and tested according to ASTM standards. Experimental results revealed that reinforcement of natural fibers up to some extent increases the mechanical properties and reduces the overall cost of fabrication of composites.