Optimization of jute nonwoven fabric reinforcement for the development of a rigid composite

An attempt has been made to optimize areal density and number of layers of needle-punched jute nonwoven fabric for the development of a rigid composite with desirable performance properties using Taguchi L9 experimental design. The hand lay-up followed by compression molding protocol was used to prepare composite sheet with jute nonwoven fabric as reinforcement and unsaturated polyester resin as matrix. We evaluated the tensile strength, flexural strength, and volume of reinforcement of the developed composites, and analyzed the data in Minitab 18.0 software to optimize the processing conditions. Results inferred that the areal density of jute fabric reinforcement positively influenced the mechanical properties of the composite sheet, while the number of layers had a negative impact. Statistical analysis revealed that 400 GSM jute nonwoven fabric in three layers could be an optimum condition to develop a rigid composite sheet with the desirable properties of an automobile product.