Effect of gradual thermoforming pressure on the mechanical properties of jute/polypropylene commingled composites.

The present work presents a new approach to the parameters of the thermoforming process for jute fiber commingled thermoplastic composites based on pressure control. Effect of gradual pressure on the microstructures of jute fiber and their mechanical properties has been investigated. The singeing of Jute yarn and subsequent co-twisting with Polypropylene (PP) was done to make reinforcement. Jute/PP composites were developed using Jute/PP commingled reinforcement. Flexural and Charpy impact tests were conducted to analyze the mechanical performance of composites made using gradual and instant loading on the compression hot press. It is found that application of gradual pressure not only decreases fiber damages, but also increase flexural strength by 82%, impact strength by 43% and impact energy by 93% as compared to composite fabricated using instant pressure. Further, the complete analysis of microstructure of fibers of both type of composites is done to compare the effect of both fabrication techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]