CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
. A composite material can simply be defined as a combination of two or
more dissimilar materials having a distinct interface between them such that the
properties of the resulting material are superior to the individual constituting
components. Composite materials can also be defined as two or more dissimilar
materials that are intimately bonded to form integrated structure. A majority of
composites consist just two phases the matrix which is continuous and surrounds
the discontinuous second phase, the reinforcement. These materials can be
prepared by putting two or more dissimilar material in such way that they function
mechanically as a single unit. The properties of such materials differ from those of
their constituents. These materials may have a hard phase embedded in a soft phase
or vice versa. Normally in the composite material have a hard phase in the soft
ductile matrix where the hard phase act as a reinforcing agent increase the strength
and modulus, and soft phase act as matrix material. The composite material are
generally be man-made. The composite material must be a combination of at least
two chemically distinct materials with an interface separating the components. The
properties of composite should be three dimensionally combined.

1.1 DEFINITION OF COMPOSITE MATERIAL

A composite is combination of two materials in which one of the materials, called
the reinforcing phase, is in the form of fibers, sheets, or particles, and is embedded
in the other materials called the matrix phase. The reinforcing material and the
matrix material can be metal, ceramic, or polymer. Composites typically have a
fiber or particle phase that is stiffer and stronger than the continuous matrix phase
and serve as the principal load carrying members. The matrix acts as a load transfer
medium between fibers, and in less ideal cases where the loads are complex, the
matrix may even have to bear loads transverse to the fiber axis. The matrix is more
ductile than the fibers and thus acts as a source of composite toughness. The matrix
also serves to protect the fibers from environmental damage before, during and
after composite processing. When designed properly, the new combined material
exhibits better strength than would each individual material. Composites are used
not only for their structural properties, but also for electrical, thermal, tribological,
and environmental applications.

Jartiz [1] stated that “Composites are multifunctional material systems that
provide characteristics not obtainable from any discrete material. They are
cohesive structures made by physically combining two or more compatible
materials, different in composition and characteristics and sometimes in form”.

Kelly [2] very clearly stresses that the composites should not be regarded simple as
a combination of two materials. In the broader significance; the combination has its
own distinctive properties. In terms of strength to resistance to heat or some other
desirable quality, it is better than either of the components alone or radically
different from either of them.

Beghezan [3] defines as “The composites are compound materials which differ
from alloys by the fact that the individual components retain their characteristics
but are so incorporated into the composite as to take advantage only of their
attributes and not of their short comings”, in order to obtain improved materials.

Van Suchetclan [4] explains composite materials as heterogeneous materials

consisting of two or more solid phases, which are in intimate contact with each
other on a microscopic scale. They can be also considered as homogeneous
materials on a microscopic scale in the sense that any portion of it will have the
same physical property.

The following are some of the reasons why composites are selected for certain
applications:

 High strength to weight ratio (low density high tensile strength)

 High creep resistance
 High tensile strength at elevated temperatures and
 High toughness

1.2 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPOSITES

1.2.1 ON THE BASIS OF MATRIX MATERIAL

A) POLYMER MATRIX COMPOSITES The most common matrix materials
for composites are polymeric. Polyester and vinyl esters are the most widely used
and least expensive polymer resins. These matrix materials are basically used for
fiber glass reinforced composites. For mutations of a large number resin provide a
wide range of properties for these materials .The epoxies are more expensive and
in addition to wide range of ranging commercials applications ,also find use in
PMCs for aerospace applications. The main disadvantages of PMCs are their low
maximum working temperature high coefficients of thermal expansion and hence
dimensional instability and sensitivity to radiation and moisture. The strength and
stuffiness are low compared with metals and ceramics.

B) METAL MATRIX COMPOSITES The matrix in these composites is a

ductile metals .These composites can be used at higher service temperature than
their base metal counterparts. These reinforcements in these materials may
improve specific stuffiness specific strength, abrasion resistance, creep resistance
and dimensional stability. The MMCs is light in weight and resist wear and
thermal distortion, so it mainly used in automobile industry. Metal matrix
composites are much more expensive those PMCs and, therefore, their use are
somewhat restricted. Metal matrix composites (MMCs) are engineered
combinations of two or more materials (one of which is a metal) where tailored
properties are achieved by systematic combinations of different constituents.
Conventional monolithic materials have limitations in respect to achievable
combinations of strength, stiffness and density Engineered MMCs consisting of
continuous or discontinuous fibers, whiskers, or particles in a metal achieve
combinations of very high specific strength and specific modulus. Furthermore,
systematic design and synthesis procedures allow unique combinations of
engineering properties in composites like high elevated temperature strength,
fatigue strength, damping property, electrical and thermal conductivities, friction
coefficient, wear resistance and expansion coefficient. Structurally, MMCs consist
of continuous or discontinuous fibers, whiskers, or particles in an alloy matrix
which reinforce the matrix or provide it with requisite properties not achievable in
monolithic alloys. In a broader sense, cast composites, where the volume and shape
of phase is governed by phase diagrams, for example, cast iron and aluminum-
silicon alloys, have been produced by foundries for a long time. The modern
composites differ in the sense that any selected volume, shape and size properties
in composites like high elevated temperature of reinforcement can be artificially
introduced in the matrix. The modem composites are non equilibrium
combinations of metals and ceramics, where there are fewer thermodynamic
restrictions on the relative volume percentages, shapes and size of ceramic phases.
Composite materials are attractive since they offer the possibility of attaining
property combinations which are not obtained in monolithic materials and which
can result in a number of significant service benefits. These could include
increased strength, decreased weight, higher service temperature, improved wear
resistance, higher elastic modulus, controlled coefficients of thermal expansion and
improved fatigue properties. The quest for improved performance has resulted in a
number of developments in the area of MMC fabrication technology .These
includes both the preparation of the reinforcing phases and the development of
fabrication techniques.

C) CERAMIC MATRIX COMPOSITES One of the main objectives in

producing CMCs is to increase the toughness. Ceramics materials are inherent
resistant to oxidation and deterioration at elevated temperatures; were it not for
their disposition to brittle fracture, some of these materials would be idea
candidates for use in higher temperature and serve-stress applications, specifically
for components in automobile an air craft gas turbine engines .The developments
of CMCs has lagged behind mostly for remain reason, most processing route
involve higher temperature and only employed with high temperature.

Figure 1 Types of fibers

1.2.2 ON THE BASICS OF REINFORCEMENT MATERIAL

A) PARTICLE REINFORCED COMPOSITES Particulate reinforcements have
dimensions that are approximately equal in all directions. The shape of the
reinforcing particles may be spherical, cubic, platelet or any regular or irregular
geometry. These composite can classified under two sub groups as follows.

(i) Large particle composites

(ii) Dispersion strengthened composites

B) FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITES A fibrous reinforcement is

characterized by its length being much greater than its cross-sectional dimension
.However the ratio of length to the cross sectional dimension known as the aspect
ratio, can vary considerably. In single layer composite long fibers with high aspect
ratios give that are called continuous fiber reinforced composites whereas
discontinuous fiber reinforced composites are fabricated using short fibers of low
aspect ratio .The orientation of the discontinuous fibers may be random or
preferred .The frequently encountered preferred orientation in the case of
continuous fiber composite is termed unidirectional and the corresponding random
situation can be approximated to by bidirectional woven reinforcement. The
greatest reinforcing effect is obtained when fibers are continuous and parallel to
one another, and maximum strength is obtained when the composite is stressed in
tension in a direction parallel to the line of fibers. If fibers are discontinuous, their
strengthening effect will be less than that of continuous fiber. Also short
discontinuous fibers will be considerably less effective than long fibers. Most fiber
reinforced component provides improved strength, fatigue resistance, stiffness, and
strength to weight ratio.

1.3 INTER PHASE

When composite are manufactured a small region (1μm) known as the fiber matrix
inter phase form between the fiber and the matrix. This region exhibits properties
distinguishably different from the properties of the bulk matrix. The fiber matrix
inters phase transfer stress between fiber and matrix, the efficiency of this stress
transfer process and a composite’s and durability are controlled by this region’s
properties. The inter phase stiffness fiber topography and fiber matrix chemical
bonding are critically important to the stress transfer process and composite
performance. The efficiency of this process is determined directly by
micromechanics test and quantified by a value termed the fiber matrix interfacial
shear strength. In addition, micro mechanics test are used to probe a composite’s
strength, durability and failure behavior. The inter phase of composites is the
region where loads are transmitted between the reinforcement and the matrix.

1.4 MATRIXES OF NATURAL FIBER

a) Thermosetting plastics : Epoxy, Polyester, Phenols, Polyurethane

& Polyamide.

b) Thermoplastics : Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Polyamide,

Polystyrene & Polyvinylchloride.

1.4.1 Thermosetting plastics

Thermoplastics require heat to make them formable and after cooling, retain the
shape they were formed into. These materials can be reheated and reformed into
new shapes a number of times without significant change in their properties. Most
thermoplastics consist of very long main chains of carbon atoms covalently bonded
together. Sometimes nitrogen, oxygen, or sulfur atoms are also covalently bonded
in the main molecular chain. Pendant atoms or groups of atoms are covalently
bonded to the main chain atoms. In thermoplastic the long molecular chains are
bonded to each other by secondary bonds.
1.4.2 Thermoplastics
Thermoset formed into a permanent shape and cured or “set” by chemical reaction
cannot be re melted and reformed into another shape but degrade or decompose
upon being heated too high a temperature. Thus, thermosets cannot be recycled.
The term thermosetting implies that heat is required to permanently set the plastic.
There are, however, many so called thermosets that set or cure at room temperature
by a chemical reaction only. Most thermosets consist of a network of carbon atoms
covalently bonded to form a rigid solid. Sometimes nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, or
other atoms are also covalently bonded into a thermoset network structure.

1.5 Fiber types

The most common classification for natural fibers is by botanical type. Using this
system, there are six basic types of natural fibers

1. Bast fibers such as (JUTE), flax, hemp, ramie, and kenaf;

2. Leaf fibers such as banana, sisal, agave, and pineapple;

3. Seed fibers such as coir, cotton, and kapok;

4. Core fibers such as kenaf, hemp, and jute;

5. Grass and reed such as wheat, corn, and rice; and

6. All other types such as wood(MULBERRY) and roots.

1.6 What Are Bio-composites?

Composite materials are attractive because they combine material properties in

ways not found in nature. Such materials often result in lightweight structures
having high stiffness and tailored properties for specific applications, thereby
saving weight and reducing energy needs. Fiber-reinforced plastic composites
began with cellulose fiber in phenolics in 1908, later extending to urea and
melamine, and reaching commodity status in the 1940s with glass fiber in
unsaturated polyesters. From guitars, tennis racquets, and cars to micro light
aircrafts, electronic components, and artificial joints, composites are finding use in
diverse fields. The fiber-reinforced composites market is a multibillion-dollar
business. Glass fiber is the dominant fiber and is used in 95% of cases to reinforce
thermoplastic and thermo-set composites. Current research findings show that in
certain composite applications, natural fibers demonstrate competitive performance
to glass fibers. Composite materials made from natural fiber and petroleum-derived
non biodegradable polymers like PP, PE, and epoxies or biopolymers like PLA and
PHAs.

Figure 2 Sources of fibers

1.7 Natural-fibre reinforced polymer composites
Concern about the preservation of natural sources and recycling has led to renewed
interest in biomaterials with the focus on renewable raw materials. As a result, new
types of composites based on plant fiber have been developed in recent years.
Natural-fiber reinforced composites offer a good mechanical performance and eco-
friendliness. The application of natural-fibre based composites is increasing
rapidly. This is especially related to certain problems concerning the use of
synthetic fibre reinforced composites. As far as synthetic polymer composites are
concerned, waste disposal and recycling are major issues worldwide. Landfill
disposal is being increasingly excluded around the world due to growing
environmental sensitivity. Therefore, in recent years environmentally compatible
alternatives have been examined by researchers. This research covers factors such
as efficient cost-effective and environmentally friendly recovery of raw materials,
CO2-neutral thermal utilization or bio-degradation in certain circumstances. That
is why composites based on renew-able resources consisting of either natural fibres
or so-called biopolymers, or both, are economically and ecologically acceptable.
Natural fibres such as flax, hemp, banana, sisal, oil palm and jute have a number of
techno-economical and ecological advantages over synthetic fibres such as glass
fibres. The combination of interesting mechanical and physical properties together
with their environmentally friendly character has aroused interest in a number of
industrial sectors, notably the automotive industry. Ligno-cellulosic fibres have an
advantage over synthetic ones since they buckle rather than break during
processing and fabrication. In addition, cellulose possesses a flattened oval cross-
section that enhances stress transfer by presenting an effectively higher aspect
ratio.
 Figure 1 Natural fibre reinforcement application

1.8 Applications
They are widely used for different applications as Automotive Industry, Aerospace
Industry, Building Industry, Furniture Industry, Bio medical Industry etc. The need
for lightweight, dimensionally stable materials for automotive and aerospace
applications opened new frontiers of advanced materials. Natural fiber composites
are being used for manufacturing many components in the automotive sector.

Typical market specification natural fiber composites include elongation and

ultimate breaking force, flexural properties, impact strength, acoustic absorption,
suitability for processing and crash behavior. Plant fibers are mainly used in the
part of car interior and truck cabins.

The use of plant fiber based automotive parts such as various panels, shelves, trim
parts and brake shoes are attractive for automotive industries worldwide because of
its reduction in weight about 10 %, energy production of 80 % and cost reduction
of 5 %.

The natural fiber composites can be very cost effective material for following
applications:
 Building and construction industry: panels for partition and false ceiling,
partition boards, wall, floor, window and door frames, roof tiles, mobile or
pre-fabricated buildings which can be used in times of natural calamities
such as floods, cyclones, earthquakes, etc.
 Storage devices: post-boxes, grain storage silos, bio-gas containers, etc.
 Furniture: chair, table, shower, bath units, etc. Electric devices: electrical
appliances, pipes, etc.
 Everyday applications: lampshades, suitcases, helmets, etc. Transportation:
automobile and railway coach interior, boat, etc.
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW
A composite is a material made by combining two or more dissimilar materials in
such a way that the resultant material is endowed with properties superior to any of
its parental ones. Fiber-reinforced composites, owing to their superior properties,
are usually applied in different fields like defense, aerospace, engineering
applications, sports goods, etc. Nowadays, natural fiber composites have gained
increasing interest due to their eco-friendly properties. A lot of work has been done
by researchers based on these natural fibers. Natural fibers such as jute, sisal, silk
and coir are inexpensive, abundant and renewable, lightweight, with low density,
high toughness, and biodegradable. Natural fibres such as jute have the potential to
be used as a replacement for traditional reinforcement materials in composites for
applications which requires high strength to weight ratio and further weight
reduction. Mulberry fiber has lowest density so able to reduce the weight of the
composite up to very less. So by using these fibers (jute, and mulberry) the
composite developed is cost effective and perfect utilization of waste product.
Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites have raised great attentions and
interests among materials scientists and engineers in recent years due to the
considerations of developing an environmental friendly material and partly
replacing currently used glass or carbon fibers in fiber reinforced composites. They
are high specific strength and modulus materials, low prices, recyclable, easy
available in some countries, etc.

Li et al. [5] conducted a research to study the mechanical properties, especially

interfacial performances of the composites based on natural fibers due to the poor
interfacial bonding between the hydrophilic natural fibers and the hydrophobic
polymer matrices. Two types of fiber surface treatment methods, namely chemical
bonding and oxidization were used to improve the interfacial bonding properties of
natural fiber reinforced polymeric composites. Interfacial properties were
evaluated and analyzed by single fiber pull-out test and the theoretical model. The
interfacial shear strength (IFSS) was obtained by the statistical parameters. The
results were compared with those obtained by traditional ways. Based on this
study, an improved method which could more accurately evaluate the interfacial
properties between natural fiber and polymeric matrices was proposed.

Joshi et al. [6] compared life cycle environmental performance of natural fiber
composites with glass fiber reinforced composites and found that natural fiber
composites are environmentally superior in the specific applications studied.
Natural fiber composites are likely to be environmentally superior to glass fiber
composites in most cases for the following reasons: (1) natural fiber production has
lower environmental impacts compared to glass fiber production; (2) natural fiber
composites have higher fiber content for equivalent performance, reducing more
polluting base polymer content; (3) the light-weight natural fiber composites
improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions in the use phase of the component,
especially in auto applications; and (4) end of life incineration of natural fibers
results in recovered energy and carbon credits.

Rana et al. [7] in their work showed that the use of compatibilizer in jute fibers
increases its mechanical properties. At 60% by weight of fiber loading, the use of
the compatibilizer improved the flexural strength as high as 100%, tensile strength
to 120%, and impact strength by 175%. The following conclusions may be drawn
from this paper:

1. The sharp increase in mechanical properties and decrease in water absorption

values after addition of the compatibilizer.
2. All these results justify that the role of jute fiber was not as a filler fiber but as a
reinforcing fiber in a properly compatibilized system.

3. This system produced a new range of low-energy, low-cost composites having

interesting properties and should be given priority over costly and high-energy
synthesis reinforcing fiber wherever possible.

Shah and Lakkad [8] tries to compare the mechanical properties of jute-reinforces
and glass-reinforced and the results shows that the jute fibers, when introduced into
the resin matrix as reinforcement, considerably improve the mechanical properties,
but the improvement is much lower than that obtained by introduction of glass and
other high performance fibers. Hence, the jute fibers can be used as a
reinforcement where modest strength and modulus are required. Another potential
use for the jute fibers is that, it can be used as a filler fiber, replacing the glass as
well as the resin in a filament wound component. The main problem of the present
work has been that it is difficult to introduce a large quantity of jute fibers into the
JRP laminates because the jute fibers, unlike glass fibers, soak up large amount of
resin. This problem is partly overcome when hybridsing with glass fibers is carried
out.

Ray et al. [9] in their work, Jute fibres were subjected to alkali treatment with 5%
NaOH solution for 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 h at 300C. It was found that improvement in
properties both for fibres and reinforced composites. The fibres after treatment
were finer, having less hemicellulose content, increased crystallinity, reduced
amount of defects resulting in superior bonding with the vinylester resin. As fibres,
the improvements in properties were predominant around 6–8 h treatment whereas
as composites, it was maximum when reinforced with 4 h-treated fibres at 35%
fibre loadings. The modulus of the jute fibres improved by 12, 68 and 79% after 4,
6 and 8 h of treatment, respectively. The tenacity of the fibres improved by 46%
after 6 and 8 h treatment and the% breaking strain was reduced by 23% after 8 h
treatment. For 35% composites with 4 h-treated fibres, the flexural strength
improved from 199.1 to 238.9 MPa by 20%, modulus improved from 11.89 to
14.69 GPa by 23% and laminar shear strength increased from 0.238 to 0.283 MPa
by 19%. On plotting different values of slopes obtained from the rates of
improvement of flexural strength and modulus, against NaOH treatment time, two
different failure modes were apparent before and after 4 h of NaOH treatment.

Saha et al. [10] in their paper, jute fibers were treated with alkali(NAOH) solution
and physic-chemical properties of jute fibers was investigated. The treatments were
applied under ambient and elevated temperatures and high pressure steaming
conditions. The results indicated that the uniaxial tensile strength increased by up
to 65% for alkali-steam treatment. The treatments without steaming were not as
effective. Physico-chemical characterization of fibers showed that the increase in
tensile strength was due to the removal of non-cellulosic matters like lignin, pectin
and hemicellulose.

Gassan and Bledzki [11] used the coupling methods to improve the properties of
composites. Composites have high level of moisture absorption, poor wettability,
and insufficient adhesion between untreated fibers and the polymer matrix leads to
debonding with age. To improve the properties of the composites, the natural
reinforcing fibers can be modified coupling methods. The coupling agents have
chemical groups which can react with fiber or polymer and thus improve the
interfacial adhesion. This paper concerns with the use of MAH-PP copolymers as
coupling agents in jute-propylene composites. It is found that the flexural strength
was increased by 40% and flexural modulus by 90%. SEM investigation showed
the improved fiber-matrix adhesion which was due to the chemical bonds between
fiber and matrix provided by the coupling agent.

Monteiro SN. Rodriquez et al. [12] tries to use the sugar cane bagasse waste as
reinforcement to polymeric resins for fabrication of low cost composites. They
reported that composites with homogeneous microstructures could be fabricated
and mechanical properties similar to wooden agglomerates can be achieved.

Hassan et al. [13,14] have converted the bagasse into a thermo formable material
through esterification of the fiber matrix. The dimensional stability and mechanical
properties of the composites prepared from the esterified fibers were reported in
this work. 18

BC Ray [15] used 3-point flexural test to qualitatively assess such effects for 55,
60 and 65 weight percentages of E-glass fibers reinforced epoxy composites during
cryogenic and after thawing conditions. The specimens were tested at a range of
0.5 mm/min to 500 mm/min crosshead speed to evaluate the sensitivity of
mechanical response during loading at ambient and sub-ambient (- 80°C
temperature). These shear strength values are compared with the testing data of as-
cured samples. After reviewing the existing literature available on natural fiber
composites, particularly natural fibers (jute, mulberry) composites put efforts to
understand the basic needs of the growing composite industry. The conclusions
drawn from this is that, the success of combining vegetable natural fibers with
polymer matrices results in the improvement of mechanical properties of the
composites compared with the matrix materials. These composite fibers are cheap
and nontoxic, can be obtained from renewable sources, and are easily recyclable.
Moreover, despite their low strength, they can lead to composites with high
specific strengths because of their low density.
 CHAPTER 3

METHODOLOGY

HARDENER
COLLECTION OF
NATURAL FIBERS

COLLECTION OF
POLYESTER
PREPARATION OF JUTE & MULBERRY
RESIN
COMPOSITES

HAND-LAY UP TECHNIQUE

MECHANICAL TEST,
1.TENSILE TEST
2.FLEXURAL TEST
3.IMPACT TEST

RESULT
10
 CHAPTER 4

MATERIALS
Raw materials used in this experimental work are:

1.Natural fiber

 Jute
 Mulberry

2.Polyester resin

3.Hardener

4.1 NATURAL FIBER

The natural fiber-reinforced composite has the advantage of being light, strong,
cheap, safe and more environment-friendly. But the use of natural fiber rein forced
materials has opened up questions regarding how such material is to be tested for
strength and durability. Natural fibers from 2000 odd plants with their complicated
nature further entangle the unified approach, of formulation like in the case of
synthetic fibers. Much work needs to be done before natural fiber reinforced
composites can be used in demanding situations highly. Another factor that may be
explored is how well the polymer matrix and natural fiber interact, given the
contrasting characteristics of repelling water (hydrophobic) and loving water
respectively. The Daimler Benz have used door panels made from natural fiber-
reinforced plastic for their Mercedes to class cars and also have plans to increase
the usage of material containing natural fiber for other components. Once
composite developed, in the technology would be revolutionary making a vast
array of Eco-friendly products.
4.1.1 JUTE FIBER
Jute is a long, soft, shiny plant fiber that can be spun into coarse, strong threads. It
is produced from plants in the genus Corchorus. Jute is one of the cheapest natural
fibres, and is second only to cotton in amount produced and variety of uses. Jute
fibres are composed primarily of the plant materials cellulose and lignin. Jute is a
rainy season crop, growing best in warm, humid climates.The stalks are cut off
close to the ground. The stalks are tied into bundles and retted (soaked) in water
for about 20 days. This process softens the tissues and permits the fibres to be
separated. The fibres are then stripped from the stalks in long strands and washed
in clear, running water. Then they are hung up or spread on thatched roofs to dry.
After 2-3 days of drying, the fibres are tied into bundles. Jute is graded (rated)
according to its colour, strength, and fibre length. The fibres are off-white to
brown, and 1-4 m long.It is 100% bio-degradable & recyclable and thus
environment friendly.

FIG 4.1 JUTE PLANT FIGURE 4.2 JUTE FIBER

4.1.2 MULBERRY FIBER

4.2 POLYESTER RESIN

4.3 HARDENER
 CHAPTER 5

FABRICATION

5.1 HAND LAY-UP TECHNIQUE

The fiber piles were cut to size from the jute fiber cloth. The appropriate numbers
of fiber plies were taken: two for each. Then the fibers were weighed and
accordingly the resin and hardeners were weighed. Epoxy and hardener were
mixed by using glass rod in a bowl. Care was taken to avoid formation of bubbles.
Because the air bubbles were trapped in matrix may result failure in the material.
The subsequent fabrication process consisted of first putting a releasing film on the
mould surface. Next a polymer coating was applied on the sheets. Then fiber ply of
one kind was put and proper rolling was done. Then resin was again applied, next
to it fiber ply of another kind was put and rolled. Rolling was done using
cylindrical mild steel rod. This procedure was repeated until eight alternating fibers
have been laid. On the top of the last ply a polymer coating is done which serves to
ensure a god surface finish. Finally a releasing sheet was put on the top; a light
rolling was carried out. Then a 20 kgf weight was applied on the composite. It was
left for 72 hrs to allow sufficient time for curing and subsequent hardening.

FIGURE 5.1 HAND LAY UP TECHNIQUE

5.2 SPECIMEN PREPARATION METHOD:
Designation Composition
C1 Jute (5wt%)+Mulberry(20wt%)+polyester(75wt%)
C2 Jute (10wt%)+Mulberry(15wt%)+polyester(75wt%)
C3 Jute (15wt%)+Mulberry(10wt%)+polyester(75wt%)
C4 Jute (20wt%)+Mulberry(5wt%)+polyester(75wt%)
C5 Mulberry(25wt%)+polyester(75wt%)

Table 5.1 Designation and Composition of Composites

 CHAPTER 6

TESTING OF COMPOSITES