Optimization of Flame Retardancy & Mechanical Performance of Jute-glass/Epoxy Hybrid Composites

One of the limiting factors of natural fiber composites is their lower flame retardancy (FR) and mechanical strength as compared to the glass and other synthetic fiber composites. In this research, FR and mechanical properties of the hybrid jute-glass/epoxy composites were optimized. In the first part, different percentages (1 %, 2 % & 3 %) of zirconium phosphate (ZrP) particles were mixed in epoxy resin to optimize the flame retardancy and mechanical properties of jute/epoxy composites. 3 % ZrP loaded composite showed improved FR and mechanical (tensile and impact) properties followed by 2 % and 1 % respectively. In the second part, optimized percentage of ZrP particles (3 %) was used to fabricate two (02) jute-glass hybrid epoxy composites, and their mechanical (tensile, flexural and impact) and FR properties were evaluated. Hybrid (H1) samples showed better mechanical and FR properties due to presence of glass layer on the outer side of composite with 3 % ZrP particles loading.