STUDY ON TREATMENT OF JUTE FIBRES BYALKALINE SOLUTION USING AS A REINFORCING FILLER FOR POLYAMIDE 11

Abstract

Green materials from natural fibres and natural originated polymers have been attracting much
attention due to they are environmentally friendly and their many advantages. Jute is one of the most
popular and widely applied natural fibres in many fields, including in the manufacture of composite
materials with the role as a reinforcement. Inorder to improve the interactions and adhesion with
polymer matrices, the surface treatment and modification of jute fibres are extremely necessary. In this
study, jute fibres are treated by alkaline solution under high temperature to accelerate the reaction
rate. After being treated, the cellulose content grew up, tensile strength and Young’s modulus of the
jute fibres increases 58 %. Besides, the alkaline treatment made the surface of jute fibres become
rougher and enhanced their thermal stability. Preliminary investigation in mechanical properties
showed that the jute fibre treatment increased considerably tensile strength, Young’s modulus and
hardness of polyamide 11/jute composite.