Effect of TiO₂ Filler Loading on Physico-Mechanical Properties and Abrasion of Jute Fabric Reinforced Epoxy Composites

Abstract

Mechanical properties and abrasive wear behaviour of bi-directional jute fabric reinforced epoxy (J/Ep) with micron sized TiO 2 particles at different wt% (2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10) were investigated. The tribo-potential of combined effect of TiO 2 and jute fiber in epoxy (J/Ep) for enhancing the abrasion resistance has not been studied so far. Hence, the present work aims to explore the possibility of using TiO 2 filler and jute fiber to reinforce the epoxy and thus open a new way to implement inexpensive reinforcements and produce new candidate tribo-material for industrial applications. Silane treated TiO 2 filled J/Ep composites were prepared by hand lay-up method. Selected mechanical properties and three-body abrasive wear tests were evaluated as per ASTM standards. Results indicate an enhancement in the J/Ep composite mechanical properties due to addition of TiO 2 particles up to 7.5 wt% of loading. Highest tensile and flexural properties were found at 7.5 wt% TiO 2 loading. Results of abrasion tests show resistance to abrasion at 5 wt% TiO 2 filled J/Ep composite. Scanning electron micrographs evidenced that the fiber and filler have fairly good bonding with matrix. Finally, this investigation confirms the applicability of TiO 2 as secondary reinforcement in J/Ep composite.