Influence of alkali treatment on physio-mechanical properties of jute-epoxy composite

The present study deals with development of jute epoxy composite using compression moulding technique and assessing the influence of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on the mechanical properties of the developed composite. Three different concentrations of NaOH alkali (5%, 10% and 15%) is considered in the present study. Various tests carried out indicates that the addition of alkali enhances the tensile strength, flexural strength and impact strength up to 5% concentration of NaOH. Further addition of NaOH results in reduced mechanical properties. It is found that the impact strength of the alkali treated composites are better than non treated composites. The optimal concentration of 5% NaOH is suggested for treatment of the fibres used in composites.