Design and optimization of reinforced weave patterns in jute-epoxy composites for improved mechanical and wear properties using response surface methodology

In the current research, the mechanical and wear behavior of jute epoxy composites have been evaluated with different weave patterns such as satin, plain, basket, and twill. Elemental analysis showed dominant carbon (68.42%) and oxygen (29.15%), which confirms the lignocellulosic nature of jute fiber. The mechanical test results showed that the satin composite attained the maximum tensile strength of 122.581 MPa and flexural strength of 42.979 MPa among all epoxy-jute specimens. The impact strength also reached 42.83 kJ/m 2 for the satin structure. Fractured and worn surfaces were examined to identify fiber breakage, matrix cracks, debonding, and wear features. The twill composite showed better wear resistance with a wear rate in the range of 2.1 × 10 -5 mm 3 /N·m to 5.6 × 10 -5 mm 3 /N·m. The minimum wear rate of 2.1 × 10 -5 mm 3 /N·m, and the coefficient of friction of 0.3 were observed at 10 cm/s, 100 m, and 20 N. Analysis of variance results confirm that sliding velocity has the most significant effect (‘ probability value’ (p-value) < 0.0001) on wear rate with an ‘Fisher value’ ( ‘F-value’ ) of 119.14. Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of cellulose, lignin, and epoxy functional groups, which confirm the chemical integrity of both the fiber and the epoxy matrix. The study confirms that weave pattern plays a key role in improving the strength and wear performance of composites.