Effect of Glass Fillers on Mechanical Properties of Jute/Polyester Composite Propellers

Abstract

One of the biggest obstacles to use natural fibers for industrial applications is their poor mechanical and water-absorbing qualities. The study aims to improve the jute/polyester composite's Tensile Strength(UTS), impact strength, water absorption, void fraction and degradation by using glass fillers and apply in making propeller blades. To fabricate the composites, two jute fiber proportions (20 wt. % and 30 wt. %) and four filler proportions (2.5 wt. %, 5 wt. %, 7.5 wt. % and 10 wt. %) were used. The experiments were conducted in compliance with ASTM guidelines. Glass fillers improved tensile strength, impact strength, water absorption, void fraction and degradation. For the dry 20/80 composites, glass fillers demonstrated a maximum increase of 21.5% in tensile and 61.9% in impact strength while for the dry 30/70 composites, the increment was 12.2% in tensile and 46.9% in impact strength. Additionally, the 20/80 composite’s water absorption was decreased by 50% and by 44.1%. for 30/70 composites. The 5 wt. % glass filled 30/70 composite had the highest tensile (14.17%) and impact strength values (14%), while the 10 wt. % glass filled 20/80 composite had the lowest water absorption. Addition of glass fillers resulted in improvement of void fraction by 21.3% for 20/80 composites and 26.7% for 30/70 composites.