Fabrication and Comparison of Mechanical Properties of Jute and Glass Fibre Reinforced Composites
The properties of fiber reinforced composites (FRP) like high strength to weight ratio, high stiffness to weight ratio, flexibility in design, ease of fabrication with economical savings as compared to metal alloys, make it an excellent choice for various range of products from building materials, sporting equipment, appliances, automotive parts, boats, canoe hulls to bodies for recreational vehicles. In this study the properties of natural fibre composite are compared with composite made of artificial fibres. The natural fibre chosen is jute fibre and the artificial fibre chosen is glass fiber. Polyester resin was the matrix used because of compatibility, cost effectiveness and easy availability. The composites were fabricated by Hand Layup technique and the number of layers of composite laminate was varied as three, four and five. The specimens were subjected to mechanical tests and Young’s Modulus, Ultimate Strength were evaluated. Modal analysis was carried out to determine the damping characteristics through damping ratio. A comparison of the two composites in terms of mechanical properties is made and the results are tabulated.