Hybrid composites and intra-ply hybrid composites based on jute and glass fibers: A comparative study on moisture absorption and mechanical properties

Natural fibers are used as reinforcement in composites due to advantages such as high stiffness, lower density, lower cost, environmentally friendly nature and high availability. Nevertheless, these fibers have some drawbacks such as low moisture resistance and incompatibility with most polymers. This paper compares two different hybrid configurations: inter-layer (layer by layer) and intra-layer (yarn by yarn). The fibers used are jute (Corchorus capsularis) and glass, while the matrix selected is polyester. The composites are manufactured using the hand layup technique and the samples are characterized for moisture resistance and mechanical properties. The experimental bending modulus of both laminated configurations is compared with theoretical values as obtained by a combination of the mixing law and homogenization technique. The results show that the interlayer configuration of jute and glass fibers presents the least resistance to moisture compared to the other configurations studied. Finally, the theoretical mechanical predictions are found to be good (10% on average) despite the simplifications made in the calculations.