DOI: 10.36347/sjet.2017.v05i11.002

Pages: 614-620

The demand for natural fibers in polymer reinforcement has gained serious attention due to the fact that they are biodegradable and possess qualities similar to synthetic fibers. Chemical treatments have been successfully used to improve qualities and performance of natural fibers like jute fiber. This has made natural fiber reinforced polymer gain wide application in the production of structural engineering components. In this study, jute fiber was treated with 5% concentrated sodium hydroxide (NaOH), Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) and unsaturated polyester as binder. Hand lay-up method of compounding composites was used for the fabrication process. The composite and specimens were produced in a collection of workshops at Technology Incubation Centre (TIC) Nnewi, Anambra State, Nigeria. Replicate samples of JFRP composites were formed. Result showed that density, elongation, tensile strength, young modulus, tensile strain, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and flexural stain increased as a result of chemical treatment. Chemical treatment also improves its hydrophobic and chemical stabilities of the jute fiber and made it more suitable for motorcycle crash Helmet and other structural applications. The composite formulation was also observed to have high potentials for production of related engineering components like car bumper, dash board, military and industrial safety helmets etc.