Natural fibers composites are considered as a sustainable alternative to synthetic composites due to their environmental and economic benefits. However, they suffer from poor mechanical and interfacial properties due to… Click to show full abstract
Natural fibers composites are considered as a 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 nanoengineered graphene-based natural jute fiber preforms with a new fiber architecture (NFA) which significantly improves their mechanical properties and performances. Our graphene-based NFA of jute fiber preform enhances the Young modulus of jute–epoxy composites by ∼324% and tensile strength by ∼110% more than untreated jute fiber composites, by arranging fibers in a parallel direction through individualization and nanosurface engineering with graphene derivatives. This could potentially lead to manufacturing of high-performance natural alternatives to synthetic composites in various stiffness-driven applications.
               
Click one of the above tabs to view related content.