Interfacial Engineering and Performance Optimization of Jute-Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Laminates

Volume: 12 | Issue: 01 | Year 2026 | Subscription
International Journal of Polymer Science and Engineering
Received Date: 02/25/2026
Acceptance Date: 02/26/2026
Published On: 2026-03-21
First Page: 52
Last Page: 64

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By: Vaibhav Godase, Amit pandhare, and Shivam Pandhare.

Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, SKN Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pandharpur, Korti, Maharashtra, India

Students, Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, SKN Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pandharpur, Korti, Maharashtra, India

Students, Department of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering, SKN Sinhgad College of Engineering, Pandharpur, Korti, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

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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How to cite this article: Vaibhav Godase, Amit pandhare, and Shivam Pandhare Interfacial Engineering and Performance Optimization of Jute-Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Laminates. International Journal of Polymer Science and Engineering. 2026; 12(01): 52-64p.

How to cite this URL: Vaibhav Godase, Amit pandhare, and Shivam Pandhare, Interfacial Engineering and Performance Optimization of Jute-Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Laminates. International Journal of Polymer Science and Engineering. 2026; 12(01): 52-64p. Available from:https://journalspub.com/publication/ijpse/article=25982

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