Hybrid jute/carbon fiber composites: optimum post-curing time

The curing process is important in determining the thermal and mechanical properties of composite products produced with thermoset resins. The optimum final curing temperature and time affect the application area of the material with a certain degree of reliability and stability. In this study, composite samples were produced at three different curing times (40, 60, and 80 min) at a certain temperature (60 °C) to figure out the optimum post-curing time. Moreover, synthetic fibers such as carbon and natural fibers such as jute were used in the hybrid composites produced. While epoxy resin was preferred as matrix material in composite production, the vacuum-assisted resin transfer infusion method was used as the production method. Within the scope of the research, it was examined how the mechanical, morphological, and physical properties of the material were affected by the application of different curing times. In the results of the research, the highest tensile strength in hybrid composites was observed with a value of 190.53 MPa in the jute/carbon combination treated with a curing time of 80 min, while the highest hardness value was reached in the same combination. Whereas the increased post-curing time improved the physical properties in the hybrid composite sample, the post-curing process of more than 60 min in the homogeneous samples adversely affected the physical structure of the sample. This was also evident in the fiber and resin bonding of the samples in morphological examinations. Optimum post-curing times represent different times for homogeneous and hybrid composite samples. Graphical abstract