Effect of copper incorporation on the mechanical and thermal behavior of jute fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester composites

Jute fiber along with Cu particle dispersed unsaturated polyester composites having different filler (both Jute and Cu were in equal wt%) loading viz. 2, 5, 10, and 15 wt% were fabricated by compression molding technique. In the present investigation, it is observed that with fillers (Jute and Cu) incorporation the microhardness increases and reaches its maximum at 10 wt% of fillers content followed by slight deterioration at 15 wt%. Structural investigation through X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy confirms the presence and dispersion of filler. It is observed that with filler addition the crystallinity (%) of the matrix increases which is obtained from X‐ray diffraction pattern. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy ensured the bonding of fillers with the matrix and detected the presence of moisture. The mechanical testing viz., tensile, flexural, and Izod impact test shows the strength and modulus increase monotonically upto 10 wt% filler addition followed by slight decreases at 15 wt% filler content. The scratch result shows the optimization of strength and toughness of the composites. Thermo‐gravimetric analysis and differential thermo‐gravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability, degradation temperature, and residual mass significantly increased with fillers addition. The water absorption test (room temperature and boiling temperature) predict a variation in weight with time. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1315–E1330, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers