Ultra-High Performance of Nano-Engineered Graphene-Based Natural Jute Fiber Composites

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel nano-engineered graphene-based fiber architecture that significantly enhances the mechanical properties of natural jute fiber composites, making them viable high-performance sustainable alternatives.

Contribution

Introduction of a new fiber architecture with nano-surface engineering that markedly improves the mechanical performance of natural jute fiber composites.

Findings

Young modulus increased by ~324%.

Tensile strength increased by ~110%.

Enhanced fiber-matrix interfacial properties.

Abstract

Natural fibers composites are considered as sustainable alternative to synthetic composites due to their environmental and economic benefits. However, they suffer from poor mechanical and interfacial properties due to a random fiber orientation and weak fiber-matrix interface. Here we report nano-engineered graphene-based natural jute fiber preforms with a new fiber architecture (NFA) which significantly improves their properties and performances. Our graphene-based NFA of jute fiber perform enhances Young modulus of jute-epoxy composites by ~324% and tensile strength by ~110% more than untreated jute fiber composites, by arranging fibers in parallel direction through individualisation and nano surface engineering with graphene derivatives. This could potentially lead to manufacturing of high performance natural alternatives to synthetic composites in various stiffness driven high performance applications.