Abstract
Alkali and Silane surface treatments based off of work published previously (J Appl Polym Sci 71(4):623–629, 1999; Polym Eng Sci 49(7):1253–1272, 2009; Mater Sci Eng A 508(1–2):247–252, 2009) were applied to plain weave and unidirectional jute fabric to improve epoxy compatibility and reduce moisture affinity. Efficacy of treatments was proven with the use of wicking tests. Studies performed on the hand-layup method showed unacceptable void content. Laminated jute/epoxy composites were fabricated using Vacuum Infusion to create void-free samples. This process was improved through optimization for use with jute and the addition of a pre-compaction step to increase fiber volume fraction from 25 % to a maximum of 40 %. Mechanical testing on composites fabricated with raw and treated jute fabrics showed a 300 % increase in elastic modulus for treated jute fabric over neat epoxy resin. Moisture absorption testing (ASTM D570) showed a significant improvement in moisture resistance for silane-treated fabrics.