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.

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