Effect of the Incorporation of PVC on the Mechanical Properties of the Jute-Reinforced LLDPE Composite.

Jute fabrics-reinforced linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) matrix composites (50 wt% fiber) were prepared by compression molding and mechanical properties were studied. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix was incorporated instead of LLDPE in the jute based composites and their mechanical properties were investigated and compared with the control composites. It was found that with the increase of PVC in the LLDPE based composites, the mechanical properties were found to improve significantly. Degradation tests of the composites for upto 24 weeks were performed in soil medium. Water uptake and Thermo-mechanical properties of the composites were also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]