The increasing environmental concerns associated with synthetic fiber reinforced polymer composites have driven substantial research interest toward naturally derived, biodegradable fiber alternatives. This study presents a comprehensive mechanical and thermal characterization of jute fiber reinforced epoxy composites fabricated via hand lay-up followed by compression molding. Jute fibers were subjected to alkali treatment using 5 wt% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution for 4 hours at ambient temperature to enhance fiber–matrix interfacial bonding by removing surface impurities and improving surface roughness. Three fiber volume fractions – 30%, 40%, and 50% – were systematically investigated to determine the optimal reinforcement concentration. The mechanical characterization was carried out in compliance with ASTM D256 (Charpy impact), ASTM D790 (flexural), and ASTM D638 (tensile). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to evaluate thermal behavior. The composite designated JE40 (40 vol% jute) exhibited the most favorable combination of properties, achieving a peak tensile strength of 87.4 MPa, a flexural strength of 112.6 MPa, and a Charpy impact energy of 18.7 kJ/m², representing improvements of 64%, 71%, and 89%, respectively, over neat epoxy. TGA results revealed an onset degradation temperature of 312°C for JE40, while DSC analysis indicated a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 98°C Improved interfacial adhesion at the ideal fiber loading was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fracture surfaces. These results demonstrate that alkali-treated jute/epoxy composites represent viable, sustainable alternatives to glass fiber composites in structural lightweight applications.

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1. Sanjay MR, Siengchin S, Parameswaranpillai J, Jawaid M, Pruncu CI, Khan A. A comprehensive review of techniques for natural fibers as reinforcement in composites: Preparation, processing and characterization. Carbohydr Polym. 2019;207:108–121.
2. Mohammed L, Ansari MNM, Pua G, Jawaid M, Islam MS. A review on natural fiber reinforced polymer composite and its applications. Int J Polym Sci. 2015;2015:1–15.
3. Pickering KL, Aruan Efendy MG, Le TM. A review of recent developments in natural fibre composites and their mechanical performance. Compos Part A Appl Sci Manuf. 2016;83:98–112.
4. Ramakrishnan S, Krishnamurthy K, Rajasekar R, Rajeshkumar G. Effect of nano-silica addition on the static and dynamic mechanical properties and structural integrity of kenaf/carbon fiber reinforced epoxy based composites for structural applications. J Inorg Organomet Polym Mater. 2021;31(3):1021–1034.
5. La Rosa AD, Recca G, Summerscales J, Latteri A, Cozzo G, Cicala G. Bio-based versus traditional polymer composites. A life cycle assessment perspective. J Clean Prod. 2014;74:135–144.
6. Pico D, Steinmann W. Synthetic fibers and textiles: Fundamentals of production and properties. In: Matteson NJ, editor. Fibers. Cham: Springer; 2016. p. 48–95.
7. Witik RA, Teuscher R, Michaud V, Ludwig C, Månson JAE. Carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites: The environmental benefit of fibre recycling. Resour Conserv Recycl. 2013;70:16–26.
8. Duflou JR, Deng Y, Van Acker K, Dewulf W. Do fiber-reinforced polymer composites provide environmentally benign alternatives? A life-cycle-assessment-based study. MRS Bull. 2012; 37(4):374–382.
9. Faruk O, Bledzki AK, Fink HP, Sain M. Biocomposites reinforced with natural fibers: 2000–2010. Prog Polym Sci. 2012;37(11):1552–1596.
10. Omrani E, Menezes PL, Rohatgi PK. State of the art on tribological behavior of polymer matrix composites reinforced with natural fibers in the green materials world. Eng Sci Technol. 2016;19(2):717–736.
11. Jawaid M, Khalil HPSA. Cellulosic/synthetic fibre reinforced polymer hybrid composites: A review. Carbohydr Polym. 2011;86(1):1–18.
12. Salit MS. Tropical natural fibre composites: Properties, manufacture and applications. Singapore: Springer; 2014.
13. Li X, Tabil LG, Panigrahi S. Chemical treatments of natural fiber for use in natural fiber-reinforced composites: A review. J Polym Environ. 2007;15(1):25–33.
14. Oushabi A, Sair S, Hassani FO, Abboud Y, Tanane O, El Bouari A. The effect of alkali treatment on mechanical, morphological and thermal properties of date palm fibers (DPFs): Study of the interface of DPF–polyurethane composite. S Afr J Chem Eng. 2017;23:116–123.
15. Kabir MM, Wang H, Lau KT, Cardona F. Chemical treatments on plant-based natural fibre reinforced polymer composites: An overview. Compos Part B Eng. 2012;43(7):2883–2892.
16. Roy A, Chakraborty S, Kundu SP, Basak RK, Majumder SB, Adhikari B. Improvement in mechanical properties of jute fibres through mild alkali treatment as assessed by utilisation of the Weibull distribution model. Bioresour Technol. 2012;107:222–228.
17. Nair LS, Laurencin CT. Biodegradable polymers as biomaterials. Prog Polym Sci. 2007;32(8–9):762–798.
18. Mochane MJ, Mokhena TC, Mokhothu TH, Mtibe A, Sadiku ER, Ray SS, et al. Recent progress on natural fiber hybrid composites for advanced applications: A review. eXPRESS Polym Lett. 2019;13(2):159–198.
19. Siakeng R, Jawaid M, Ariffin H, Sapuan SM, Asim M, Saba N. Natural fiber reinforced polylactic acid composites: A review. Polym Compos. 2019;40(2):446–463.
20. Godase V, Khiste R, Palimkar V. AI-optimized reconfigurable antennas for 6G communication systems. J RF Microw Commun Technol. 2025;2(3):1–12. Bhaganagare S, Chavan S, Gavali S, Godase VV. Voice-controlled home automation with ESP32: A systematic review of IoT-based solutions. J Microprocess Microcontrol Res. 2025;2(3):1–13.
21. Rajak DK, Pagar DD, Menezes PL, Linul E. Fiber-reinforced polymer composites: Manufacturing, properties, and applications. Polymers. 2019;11(10):1667.
22. Vinod A, Sanjay MR, Suchart S, Jyotishkumar P. Renewable and sustainable biobased materials: An assessment on biofibre reinforced polymer composites. J Clean Prod. 2020;258:120978.
23. Jamadade VK, Ghodke MG, Katakdhond SS, Godase V. A review on real-time substation feeder power line monitoring and auditing systems. Int J Emerg IoT Technol Smart Electron Commun. 2025;1(2):1–16.
24. Jagadeesh D, Sudhakara P, Lee JS, Kim BS. Multi-objective optimization of mechanical properties on bagasse fiber/polyester composites using grey relational analysis. Mater Today Commun. 2021;26:102161.
25. Godase V. Graphene-based nano-antennas for terahertz communication. Int J Digit Electron Microprocess Technol. 2025;1(2):1–14.
26. Sathishkumar TP, Naveen J, Satheeshkumar S. Hybrid fiber reinforced polymer composites – A review. J Reinf Plast Compos. 2014;33(5):454–471.
27. Fragassa C, Pavlovic A, Santulli C. Mechanical and impact characterisation of flax and basalt fibre bio-vinylester composites and their hybrids. Compos Part B Eng. 2018;137:247–259.
28. Ramesh M, Deepa C, Tamil Selvan M, Rajeshkumar L, Balaji D, Bhuvaneswari V. Influence of fiber surface treatment on the mechanical and tribological properties of Calotropis gigantea plant fiber reinforced polymer composites. Polym Compos. 2021;42(9):4308–4320.
29. Yang H, Yan R, Chen H, Lee DH, Zheng C. Characteristics of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin pyrolysis. Fuel. 2007;86(12–13):1781–1788.
30. Dhakal HN, Zhang ZY, Richardson MOW. Effect of water absorption on the mechanical properties of hemp fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. Compos Sci Technol. 2007;67(7–8):1674–1683.
31. Saba N, Jawaid M, Alothman OY, Paridah MT. A review on dynamic mechanical properties of natural fibre reinforced polymer composites. Constr Build Mater. 2016;106:149–159.
32. Ku H, Wang H, Pattarachaiyakoop N, Trada M. A review on the tensile properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. Compos Part B Eng. 2011;42(4):856–873.
33. Shahzad A. Hemp fiber and its composites – A review. J Compos Mater. 2012;46(8):973–986.
34. Thyavihalli Girijappa YG, Mavinkere Rangappa S, Parameswaranpillai J, Siengchin S. Natural fibers as sustainable and renewable resource for development of eco-friendly composites: A comprehensive review. Front Mater. 2019;6:226.
35. Moudood A, Rahman A, Öchsner A, Islam M, Francucci G. Flax fiber and its composites: An overview of water and moisture absorption impact on their performance. J Reinf Plast Compos. 2019;38(7):323–339.

The increasing environmental concerns associated with synthetic fiber reinforced polymer composites have driven substantial research interest toward naturally derived, biodegradable fiber alternatives. This study presents a comprehensive mechanical and thermal characterization of jute fiber reinforced epoxy composites fabricated via hand lay-up followed by compression molding. Jute fibers were subjected to alkali treatment using 5 wt% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution for 4 hours at ambient temperature to enhance fiber–matrix interfacial bonding by removing surface impurities and improving surface roughness. Three fiber volume fractions – 30%, 40%, and 50% – were systematically investigated to determine the optimal reinforcement concentration. The mechanical characterization was carried out in compliance with ASTM D256 (Charpy impact), ASTM D790 (flexural), and ASTM D638 (tensile). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to evaluate thermal behavior. The composite designated JE40 (40 vol% jute) exhibited the most favorable combination of properties, achieving a peak tensile strength of 87.4 MPa, a flexural strength of 112.6 MPa, and a Charpy impact energy of 18.7 kJ/m², representing improvements of 64%, 71%, and 89%, respectively, over neat epoxy. TGA results revealed an onset degradation temperature of 312°C for JE40, while DSC analysis indicated a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 98°C Improved interfacial adhesion at the ideal fiber loading was demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the fracture surfaces. These results demonstrate that alkali-treated jute/epoxy composites represent viable, sustainable alternatives to glass fiber composites in structural lightweight applications.

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Sanjay MR, Siengchin S, Parameswaranpillai J, Jawaid M, Pruncu CI, Khan A. A comprehensive review of techniques for natural fibers as reinforcement in composites: Preparation, processing and characterization. Carbohydr Polym. 2019;207:108–121.
2. Mohammed L, Ansari MNM, Pua G, Jawaid M, Islam MS. A review on natural fiber reinforced polymer composite and its applications. Int J Polym Sci. 2015;2015:1–15.
3. Pickering KL, Aruan Efendy MG, Le TM. A review of recent developments in natural fibre composites and their mechanical performance. Compos Part A Appl Sci Manuf. 2016;83:98–112.
4. Ramakrishnan S, Krishnamurthy K, Rajasekar R, Rajeshkumar G. Effect of nano-silica addition on the static and dynamic mechanical properties and structural integrity of kenaf/carbon fiber reinforced epoxy based composites for structural applications. J Inorg Organomet Polym Mater. 2021;31(3):1021–1034.
5. La Rosa AD, Recca G, Summerscales J, Latteri A, Cozzo G, Cicala G. Bio-based versus traditional polymer composites. A life cycle assessment perspective. J Clean Prod. 2014;74:135–144.
6. Pico D, Steinmann W. Synthetic fibers and textiles: Fundamentals of production and properties. In: Matteson NJ, editor. Fibers. Cham: Springer; 2016. p. 48–95.
7. Witik RA, Teuscher R, Michaud V, Ludwig C, Månson JAE. Carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites: The environmental benefit of fibre recycling. Resour Conserv Recycl. 2013;70:16–26.
8. Duflou JR, Deng Y, Van Acker K, Dewulf W. Do fiber-reinforced polymer composites provide environmentally benign alternatives? A life-cycle-assessment-based study. MRS Bull. 2012; 37(4):374–382.
9. Faruk O, Bledzki AK, Fink HP, Sain M. Biocomposites reinforced with natural fibers: 2000–2010. Prog Polym Sci. 2012;37(11):1552–1596.
10. Omrani E, Menezes PL, Rohatgi PK. State of the art on tribological behavior of polymer matrix composites reinforced with natural fibers in the green materials world. Eng Sci Technol. 2016;19(2):717–736.
11. Jawaid M, Khalil HPSA. Cellulosic/synthetic fibre reinforced polymer hybrid composites: A review. Carbohydr Polym. 2011;86(1):1–18.
12. Salit MS. Tropical natural fibre composites: Properties, manufacture and applications. Singapore: Springer; 2014.
13. Li X, Tabil LG, Panigrahi S. Chemical treatments of natural fiber for use in natural fiber-reinforced composites: A review. J Polym Environ. 2007;15(1):25–33.
14. Oushabi A, Sair S, Hassani FO, Abboud Y, Tanane O, El Bouari A. The effect of alkali treatment on mechanical, morphological and thermal properties of date palm fibers (DPFs): Study of the interface of DPF–polyurethane composite. S Afr J Chem Eng. 2017;23:116–123.
15. Kabir MM, Wang H, Lau KT, Cardona F. Chemical treatments on plant-based natural fibre reinforced polymer composites: An overview. Compos Part B Eng. 2012;43(7):2883–2892.
16. Roy A, Chakraborty S, Kundu SP, Basak RK, Majumder SB, Adhikari B. Improvement in mechanical properties of jute fibres through mild alkali treatment as assessed by utilisation of the Weibull distribution model. Bioresour Technol. 2012;107:222–228.
17. Nair LS, Laurencin CT. Biodegradable polymers as biomaterials. Prog Polym Sci. 2007;32(8–9):762–798.
18. Mochane MJ, Mokhena TC, Mokhothu TH, Mtibe A, Sadiku ER, Ray SS, et al. Recent progress on natural fiber hybrid composites for advanced applications: A review. eXPRESS Polym Lett. 2019;13(2):159–198.
19. Siakeng R, Jawaid M, Ariffin H, Sapuan SM, Asim M, Saba N. Natural fiber reinforced polylactic acid composites: A review. Polym Compos. 2019;40(2):446–463.
20. Godase V, Khiste R, Palimkar V. AI-optimized reconfigurable antennas for 6G communication systems. J RF Microw Commun Technol. 2025;2(3):1–12. Bhaganagare S, Chavan S, Gavali S, Godase VV. Voice-controlled home automation with ESP32: A systematic review of IoT-based solutions. J Microprocess Microcontrol Res. 2025;2(3):1–13.
21. Rajak DK, Pagar DD, Menezes PL, Linul E. Fiber-reinforced polymer composites: Manufacturing, properties, and applications. Polymers. 2019;11(10):1667.
22. Vinod A, Sanjay MR, Suchart S, Jyotishkumar P. Renewable and sustainable biobased materials: An assessment on biofibre reinforced polymer composites. J Clean Prod. 2020;258:120978.
23. Jamadade VK, Ghodke MG, Katakdhond SS, Godase V. A review on real-time substation feeder power line monitoring and auditing systems. Int J Emerg IoT Technol Smart Electron Commun. 2025;1(2):1–16.
24. Jagadeesh D, Sudhakara P, Lee JS, Kim BS. Multi-objective optimization of mechanical properties on bagasse fiber/polyester composites using grey relational analysis. Mater Today Commun. 2021;26:102161.
25. Godase V. Graphene-based nano-antennas for terahertz communication. Int J Digit Electron Microprocess Technol. 2025;1(2):1–14.
26. Sathishkumar TP, Naveen J, Satheeshkumar S. Hybrid fiber reinforced polymer composites – A review. J Reinf Plast Compos. 2014;33(5):454–471.
27. Fragassa C, Pavlovic A, Santulli C. Mechanical and impact characterisation of flax and basalt fibre bio-vinylester composites and their hybrids. Compos Part B Eng. 2018;137:247–259.
28. Ramesh M, Deepa C, Tamil Selvan M, Rajeshkumar L, Balaji D, Bhuvaneswari V. Influence of fiber surface treatment on the mechanical and tribological properties of Calotropis gigantea plant fiber reinforced polymer composites. Polym Compos. 2021;42(9):4308–4320.
29. Yang H, Yan R, Chen H, Lee DH, Zheng C. Characteristics of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin pyrolysis. Fuel. 2007;86(12–13):1781–1788.
30. Dhakal HN, Zhang ZY, Richardson MOW. Effect of water absorption on the mechanical properties of hemp fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. Compos Sci Technol. 2007;67(7–8):1674–1683.
31. Saba N, Jawaid M, Alothman OY, Paridah MT. A review on dynamic mechanical properties of natural fibre reinforced polymer composites. Constr Build Mater. 2016;106:149–159.
32. Ku H, Wang H, Pattarachaiyakoop N, Trada M. A review on the tensile properties of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. Compos Part B Eng. 2011;42(4):856–873.
33. Shahzad A. Hemp fiber and its composites – A review. J Compos Mater. 2012;46(8):973–986.
34. Thyavihalli Girijappa YG, Mavinkere Rangappa S, Parameswaranpillai J, Siengchin S. Natural fibers as sustainable and renewable resource for development of eco-friendly composites: A comprehensive review. Front Mater. 2019;6:226.
35. Moudood A, Rahman A, Öchsner A, Islam M, Francucci G. Flax fiber and its composites: An overview of water and moisture absorption impact on their performance. J Reinf Plast Compos. 2019;38(7):323–339.