Effect of starch treatment and hybridisation on the mechanical properties of natural fibre composites

In this investigation, studies are carried out on the mechanical properties of hybrid polymer composites. Hybrid composites can reach a better combination of both artificial and natural fibre properties. Different weight percentages of jute fibres were hybridised with coconut sheath to produce the composites through compression moulding. Composites were produced using untreated and treated fibres. Fibre surfaces were treated with trichloro(vinyl)silane and starch solutions. Inter-laminar shear strength (ILSS) and flexural tests were conducted on the composites. Results show that jute hybridisation yields significant enhancement in the coconut sheath composite. Composites with starch treated fibres shows higher flexural strength. Scanning electron microscopy of the fracture surface revealed agglomeration of fibres in the fibre-matrix interface, which helped increasing flexural strength. 262 G. Kalusuraman et al.