Development of Smart Jute Composite with a Thermochromic Agent

The purpose of this study was to functionalize a bleached and cationized jute fabric with a thermochromic agent and apply it as reinforcement into a crystal polyester resin matrix, forming a smart composite capable of thermally reacting to the environment in which it is inserted. Functionalization was favored in cationized fabric and the presence of the thermochromic on jute fibers was confirmed by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Functionalization increased the thermal degradation temperature of the jute fabric but does not alter the thermal behavior of the composite. Through reflectance spectrophotometry analysis, L*, a*, and b* coordinates of the bleached and functionalized fabrics were observed. The K/S value for the functionalized fabrics and composite samples was analyzed after 1, 15, and 30 days, showing a higher color strength for the composite. With this, it was demonstrated that is possible to create a smart composite reinforced with functionalized jute fabric, allowing its use in several areas of application.