Mechanical and Tribological Characterization of Used Jute Fiber and SiC Hybrid Composite Material

This research employed experimental techniques to explore the tribological properties of epoxy-based composites. The study utilized epoxy resin as the main matrix material, while making efforts to recycle used jute bags by treating them appropriately and employing them as reinforcement. Additionally, silicon carbide was used as a filler to create the hybrid composite. The composite samples were prepared with varying percentages of filler material, ranging from 3 to 12% with a step size of 3%. To assess the mechanical properties and machinability of the composite material, tensile tests, flexural tests, and wear tests were conducted following the ASTM standards. The wear test was performed using a pin-on-disk wear testing machine, while the universal testing machine was utilized for the tensile and flexural tests. Abrasion tests were carried out at normal loads of 9.81 N, 19.62 N, and 29.43 N for abrasion durations of 5, 10, and 15 min. The results indicated a significant improvement in tensile strength up to 6% weight of SiC content. However, further additions of SiC led to a decrease in strength. The flexural strength and modulus of the composite material increased with a fiber load of 9% by weight, but adding more fiber to the matrix resulted in decreased flexural properties. The research also analyzed the wear factor and wear volume of the hybrid composite materials. Furthermore, morphology studies were conducted for interfacial analysis using a scanning electron microscope.