Environmentally correct composites made of jute fabric, extracted from sackcloth, as reinforcement for recycled polyethylene matrix are being investigated as substitute for panels and furniture. The present work evaluated the impact toughness of theses composites with different amounts, up to 40wt%, of jute fabric. Standard specimens were fabricated by hot pressing and tested in a Charpy pendulum hammer. The corresponding specimen fractures were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, SEM. It was found that the test registered value of the energy increased with the amount of jute fabric used as reinforcement. SEM observation allowed for the identification of the mechanisms responsible for the positive effect by the jute fabric reinforcement to the composite toughness.
Environmentally correct composite; jute fabric; recycled polyethylene; impact toughness
