Effect of Aluminum Addition on the Mechanical and Thermal Behavior of Unsaturated Polyester/Jute Composites

Jute fiber along with Al particle-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites having different filler (Jute and Al) loading viz. 2, 5, 10, and 15 wt.% were fabricated by compression molding technique. In the present investigation, it was observed that with fillers incorporation, the microhardness increases and becomes optimum at 10 wt.% filler content followed by slight deterioration at 15 wt.%. Scanning electron microscopy confirms the dispersion of the fillers. An improvement of crystallinity with filler addition was observed from X-ray diffraction pattern. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy pattern ensured the bonding between filler and matrix. Flexural and Izod impact tests show that the strength and modulus increase monotonically up to 10 wt.% filler addition followed by slight decreases at 15 wt.%. Thermogravimetric analysis and Differential Thermogravimetric analysis show that the thermal stability, degradation temperature, and residual mass significantly increase with fillers addition. The thermal insulation of the composites decreases, whereas the electrical conductivity of the composites increases with the addition of the filler. The water absorption at room and boiling temperature suggests swelling and deterioration in strength of the swelled composites.