Response of short jute fibre preform based epoxy composites subjected to low-velocity impact loadings

This work aimed to investigate the low velocity impact behaviour of short jute fibre non-woven preform epoxy matrix composites experimentally. Dry fibre preforms were developed using an optimised process and a laboratory made preforming device. The effects of alkali and poly vinyl alcohol (PVA binder) treatments on impact performances of jute composites were investigated and compared at 3 J and 6 J impact energy levels. To identify the failure modes of tested composites, the X-ray µCT tomography was employed. The results demonstrated that the developed untreated short jute fibre preform reinforced composites absorbed a higher impact energy, when they were compared to treated (alkali or PVA binder) composites. For untreated composites, maximum impact forces at 3 J and 6 J…