Fabrication and characterizations of biodegradable jute reinforced soy based green composites

Jute reinforced soy milk based composites using non-woven and woven jute fabrics were developed and characterized. Mechanical properties, viz., tensile strength, elongation at break, flexural strength, tensile and flexural modulus of these composites were measured and reported. Composites having 60 wt% jute felt or jute fabric possessed the best mechanical properties. Hydrophilicity of the composites was assessed by the measurement of contact angle and water absorption after immersing in water at ambient temperature as well as in boiling condition. Biodegradability of the composites was evaluated in compost soil burial condition. Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) and optical microscope (OM) analyses of the buried samples confirmed the degradation of the composites. The composition of the developed composites is novel. The fabricated composites can be used in various fields for replacing plastics.

► Composites fabricated using low cost and non-toxic jute and soy seeds. ► Water based resin without any chemical treatment used to treat jute fibers. ► Manufactured composites are durable in indoor condition and biodegradable in soil. ► Applications of the composites may be in packaging, furniture, automobile sector.