Title: Development and characterisation of jute reinforced natural matrix composites

Authors: D. D'Amico, F. Martina, G. Ingrosso, G. Mele, A. Maffezzoli, A. Tarzia, C. Stifani

Addresses: Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Innovazione, Universita del Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy. ' Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Innovazione, Universita del Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy. ' Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Innovazione, Universita del Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy. ' Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Innovazione, Universita del Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy. ' Dipartimento di Ingegneria dell'Innovazione, Universita del Salento, Via Monteroni, 73100, Lecce, Italy. ' CimtecLab S.R.L., Via Piave 10 – Monteroni di Lecce (LE), Italy. ' CimtecLab S.R.L., Via Piave 10 – Monteroni di Lecce (LE), Italy

Abstract: The aim of this work is the development of composite materials obtained using as matrix a resin derived from renewable resources. New pre-polymers derived from cardanol, a natural phenol extracted from the shell of the cashew nut, were synthesised. In particular cardanol based novolac-type phenolic resins, capable to form thermoset polymers when blended to commercial epoxy or isocyanate monomers, were successfully developed. Composite laminates obtained using a jute fabric were fabricated and characterised. Jute fabrics were used with and without a surface treatment with NaOH and silane coupling agents. An amount larger than 50% of natural originating materials is present in the laminates.

Keywords: natural fibres; cardanol; thermosetting resin; novolac; jute fibres; reinforced fibre composites; cashew nuts; phenolic resins; composite laminates.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2009.027827

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2009 Vol.36 No.1/2/3/4, pp.155 - 165

Published online: 12 Aug 2009 *

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