Effect of Al2O3 and MgO nanofiller on the mechanical behaviour of alkaline-treated jute fibre–reinforced epoxy bio-nanocomposite.

Composite materials increasingly use biofibres because of their lightweight, remarkable strength, stiffness, and biodegradability. Nanofillers are becoming more common in bio-nanocomposite (BNC) applications in industries like aeronautics and marine engineering. Research is underway to determine the effects of nanofiller alumina (Al₂O₃) and magnesia (MgO) on BNC tensile, bending, and impact properties when coupled with reinforcing surface-treated jute fibres. Vacuum-bagged composite laminates were made by adding Al₂O₃ and MgO nanofiller (50 nm in diameter) to the epoxy range from 1 to 4% by weight. One set of fibres was treated with a 5% NaOH solution to see the effect of surface treatment and nanofillers on the mechanical properties of the composite. Surface-treated jute-reinforced composite outperformed untreated in tensile, bending, and impact properties. While on the additive inclusion of 3% of nanofiller, the highest properties were achieved, the treated jute-reinforced MgO-filled laminates increased the tensile strength by 60%, flexural strength by 67%, and impact strength by 42% as compared to laminates without nanofillers. SEM images show an array of imperfections, including interfacial performance, fibre breakage, fibre withdrawal, agglomeration, cracks, and voids. Surface treatment and nanofillers were shown to enhance the BNC's mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]