Physico-Mechanical Properties of Industrial Tea Waste Reinforced Jute Unsaturated Polyester Composites

The industrial tea waste reinforced jute polyester composites (ITW-JPC) were prepared by hand lay-up method for six different wt% (0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, and 15%) at 115˚C temperature. The effect of industrial tea waste filler on mechanical, physical, structural, and thermal properties in jute polyester composites were evaluated. It is found that tensile strength and flexural strength improved continuously with increasing filler loading up to 9wt% but decreased at 12wt% due to weak interfacial bonding and irregular distribution of filler and matrix. The maximum value of elongation at break (%) and Rockwell hardness were found in 0wt% and 15wt% composites respectively. The hardness increases when the resistance of the materials to the deformation increases. It is seen that water absorption and soil degradation are enhanced for all composites with the accumulation of filler content and time. The structural examination and functional group identification were investigated by using Fourier Transformation Infrared (FTIR) analysis. Thermal analysis of ITW-JPC showed that thermal degradation of composites started almost at the same time and the degradation of composites was occurring in three stages. Surface morphology and interfacial properties such as internal cracks, and fiber pull-out were examined through scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis.