Mechanical properties of metal oxide dispersed jute fiber reinforced polyester biocomposites

Enhancement in toughness without reducing its mechanical property is a serious issue in context of application of the biocomposites. Therefore, in this study, the effect of incorporation of Al₂O₃ and ZrO₂ particles in the polymer matrix on the mechanical properties of jute fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester biocomposites were investigated. Reinforcements with fibers were carried out in different weight proportions (5–25%) and with varied fiber lengths. The biocomposites were fabricated using hand lay‐up method. Overall 20 wt % filler content (18 wt% fiber and 2 wt% metal oxide particles) was selected as the optimized composition. The fibers were treated with NaOH solution for better compatibility with matrix whereas the particles were treated with silane for better adherence with the matrix. Microhardness, tensile, flexural, and impact properties of the biocomposites were evaluated as per standard. Fractography of the biocomposites were done using scanning electron microscope. It was found that the ZrO₂ particle incorporated bicomposites show better mechanical properties than the Al₂O₃ dispersed bicomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E101–E112, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers