Effect of surface treatment and Z-axis reinforcement on the interlaminar fracture of jute/epoxy laminated composites

•Fabricated z-directional micro-fiber reinforced laminated jute/epoxy composites.•Investigated fracture toughness and R-curves for two different laminate conditions.•Fracture surfaces of all cases from scanning electron microscopy are investigated.•Z-reinforcement improved fracture properties of unidirectional composites.•Fabrics bridging improved fracture properties of plain weave composites. This study examines the effects of preform architecture, surface treatment, and z-directional micro-fiber reinforcement on the interlaminar fracture performance of jute/epoxy laminated composites. Laminated composites were fabricated using an optimized vacuum infusion process. Fracture characterization studies showed surface treatments increased fracture toughness as a result of improved interfacial adhesion. Unidirectional preforms were found to decrease fracture toughness as compared to plain weave preforms due to reduced inter-ply interaction. The addition of z-direction reinforcement increased the composites’ Mode-I fracture toughness by 80% and increased interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) at the cost of decreased tensile strength and modulus.