Effect of Braiding of Jute and Flax Fibres on Mechanical, Water Absorption and Morphological Properties of Epoxy Composite

Effect of Braiding of Jute and Flax Fibres on Mechanical, Water Absorption and Morphological Properties of Epoxy Composite | Research Square window.SnipcartSettings = { analytics: { enabled: false } }; (function() { var accessVector = localStorage.getItem('access_vector') || ''; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; if (accessVector) { window.dataLayer.push({ user: { profile: { profileInfo: { snid: accessVector } } } }); } })(); (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start':new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src='https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f);})(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-K279D39R'); Browse Preprints In Review Journals COVID-19 Preprints AJE Video Bytes Research Tools Research Promotion AJE Professional Editing AJE Rubriq About Preprint Platform In Review Editorial Policies Our Team Advisory Board Help Center Sign In Submit a Preprint Cite Share Download PDF Research Article Effect of Braiding of Jute and Flax Fibres on Mechanical, Water Absorption and Morphological Properties of Epoxy Composite Bandi Madhusudhan Reddy, Vutukur Satish Kumar, Reddigari Meenakshi Reddy, and 3 more This is a preprint; it has not been peer reviewed by a journal. https://doi.org/ 10.21203/rs.3.rs-6194563/v1 This work is licensed under a CC BY 4.0 License Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Abstract Modern society requires materials that are strong, lightweight, and inexpensive, but they must also be biodegradable, eco-friendly, and non-toxic to humans. Natural fibres may meet the aforementioned requirements. In this study, six different samples were considered: one was pure epoxy, two were braided fibres (100% jute and 100% flax), and three were blended braided fibre combinations (75:25 jute/flax, 50:50 jute/flax, and 25:75 jute/flax), which were fabricated using hand lay-up technique. Mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact) of the fabricated composites were examined, and the results revealed that the 25:75 jute/flax fibre blend braided composites performed better than other composites. With the use of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), the OH, C-C, and C-H chemical groups were detected in the fabricated composites. The aforementioned composites were examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to confirm bonding, examine surface morphology, and to identify the kind of fibre failure. Water absorption was also examined to find out how stable the composite was under different environmental conditions. This work is novel since braided fibres have not received as much scientific attention as natural and hybrid fibres. Jute-Flax natural fibres Epoxy resin SEM Mechanical Properties Water absorption Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Highlights 1. Flax and Jute fibres were selected and braided to increase their strength. 2. The hand-layup technique was used to reinforce braided fibres into epoxy resin. 3. Mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, and impact were evaluated. 4. FTIR, SEM, and water absorption characteristics of composites were investigated. 1. Introduction Several researchers investigated and confirmed that natural fibres are an effective replacement for manmade fibres in polymer composite reinforcement. These natural fibres are substances obtained from natural resources like plants, animals, and vegetables. In comparison to synthetic fibres, and metals, plant fibres offer certain desirable characteristics like low toxicity, lightweight, low density, abundantly available, biodegradable and low cost [ 1 , 2 ]. Common natural fibres utilized as reinforcement in polymer matrices include pineapple, banana, snake, cotton, jute, and flax. [ 3 ]. These composites are used in a wide range of low-load bearing applications, such as automotive, structural, packaging, and sports frames [ 4 ]. However, their moderate mechanical performance and high absorption of moisture limit their applicability [ 5 ]. It is challenging to forecast how the composites would work because natural fibre has some disadvantages, such as a high rate of moisture absorption, less stability in dimensions, and poor interfacial adhesion. To overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, well-known and effective chemical alteration procedures include treatments with alkali (NaOH), silane and potassium (KOH) [ 6 , 7 ]. Jute and flax fibres were employed as reinforcements in thermosetting resins, and their performance was investigated by a number of researchers. According to the literature, flax fibres are the strongest and have good mechanical properties. They are also environmentally friendly, lightweight, recyclable, and biodegradable [ 8 ]. Ramesh [ 9 ] reviewed the extraction, chemical treatment, preparation, and fabrication methods for flax fibres. Bozaci et al. [ 10 ] investigated an atmospheric plasma chemical treatment approach for flax fibre to improve the compatibility between polyester resin and flax fibres. The SEM morphology confirmed the compatibility of manufactured composite, and this enhanced compatibility also increases the mechanical properties of manufactured composite. More [ 11 ] conducted a review of flax fibre extraction, surface treatment, polymer matrix selection, manufacturing processes, mechanical performance, and composite morphology. The review concluded that flax fibre-based composites are more environmentally friendly than petroleum-based composites. Jute fibres are typically categorized as bast fibres that can be extracted from the bast that envelops the plant stem. These fibres are strong, smooth, and lengthy, and can be spun into coarse, strong threads. Advantages of jute fibres are strong, highly versatile, cost-effective and environment-friendly. The non-hybrid composites of jute/epoxy, oil palm/epoxy, and hybrid composites (oil palm/jute/epoxy) were investigated by Jawaid et al. [ 12 ]. This study primarily examines the impact of fibre content on the damping behaviour and tensile properties of the composite fabricated using hand-lay-up procedure. The results demonstrate that damping behaviour and tensile strength increase with increasing jute fibre content. Dilfi et al. [ 13 ] investigated the impact of altering the jute fibre surface on epoxy polymer composite. This alteration enhances the durability and mechanical properties of the manufactured composite. Any single fibre reinforcement, such as flax or jute fibres in a polymer matrix, could fail to meet the requirements of today's industrial and societal scenarios. Later, researchers turned to hybrid polymer composites to improve mechanical, economic, and biodegradable properties. Ejaz et al. [ 14 ] investigated the utilization of flax and jute natural fibres as individual and hybrid reinforcement in a Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) matrix by hot press compression moulding techniques. Tensile and impact tests, as well as additional characterizations such as biodegradability, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, were used to validate the developed composites for the packing and automobile industries. Rathinavel et al. [ 15 ] studied the mechanical and hydration properties of basalt and Kevlar fibres employed as individual and hybrid reinforcements in epoxy resin while considering for different chemical treatments like NaOH and HCl. According to the findings, the produced composites cause less environmental issues and are appropriate for aircraft structural applications. Arivendan et al. [ 16 ] reported that the behaviour of Aloe-vera and ramie fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites are determined by the length and weight content of individual and hybrid fibres. The braiding of individual and hybrid fibre-reinforced polymer composites has received very little attention in research. Ayranci et al. [ 17 ] reviewed the 2D braiding process for polymer composite materials and its merits of composite materials over conventional engineering metals. Review states that these composites are used in automobile, medical and aerospace applications. Evans et al. [ 18 ] study a tubular braided composite bone cast to improve the efficiency and quality of bone fracture treatment. Based on the available literature, jute and flax fibres are promising individual reinforcements for polymer composites. However, there is very little research has been done on green braided composites. A green braided composite is made up of two materials: reinforcing fibres and binding matrix. This combination offers improved usability, desirable stiffness and strengths. In this investigation, flax and jute natural fibres were put in place as braided and braided hybrid reinforcement in an epoxy matrix for composite fabrication via hand lay-up procedure. Six distinct samples were taken into consideration for this investigation; one is pure epoxy, two of them were braided fibres (100% jute, 100% flax), while the other three were blended braided fibre combinations (75:25 jute/flax, 50:50 jute/flax, and 25:75 jute/flax). Tensile, flexural, and impact tests were carried out over the produced composites to determine the impact of adding natural fibre reinforcement in the form of braided and blended braided fibres to the epoxy matrix. SEM morphology was performed on the aforementioned composites to verify bonding, surface morphology, and the kind of fibre failure was investigated. FT-IR spectroscopy is used to recognize the functional groups, wave numbers and chemical bonds contained in the manufactured composites. Water absorption was also examined to find out how stable the composite was under different environmental conditions. 2. Materials and Methods In materials section describes the natural reinforcements and matrix materials employed in this investigation. The methods section describes the fabrication methods, mechanical testing procedures, SEM morphology, FT-IR spectroscopy and water absorption characteristics of the prepared composites. 2.1. Materials The materials employed in this study include epoxy as a matrix and flax and jute fibres were utilized as reinforcements. The epoxy resin (grade: LY556) and hardener (grade: HY951) used for this study were purchased from Ram Composite products, located in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India. Flax and jute fibres were acquired from Go Green Products in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and carbon-black wax were purchased from Madhu Scientific Labs in Kurnool. 2.2. Methods 2.2.1 Braiding of fibre strands Fibre braiding is done by taking two natural fibres of similar length, aligning their ends, and tying a knot at one end. Hold the fibre bundle by its fastened end. Make sure the fibres are spread out to easily hold and cross them over one another. To get a uniform braid, continue the procedure while keeping even tension in each fibre. Finish the braid, when you have reached the end of the fibres or the appropriate length, tie a knot or use a clip to secure the braid. The braided fibre strands were shown in the Fig. 1 . 2.2.2 Fabrication of braided and blend braided composite The fabrication of braided and blend braided composites were developed making use of hand-layup process. At first, two braided fibre composites (jute/epoxy and flax/epoxy) were created by maintaining a 40 percentage by weight (40 wt. %) reinforcement in epoxy resin. In the next stage, flax and jute blended braided fibres were reinforced with epoxy resin and fabricated in varied proportions of braided flax and jute fibres, with the reinforcement’s combined weight being equal to 40 wt. % of the composite. Table 1 describes the varied weight proportions of jute and flax fibres in an epoxy matrix, including designation. For fabrication of composite, a thin coating of releasing gel was applied by spraying it onto the mold surface to avoid resin from sticking. Afterwards, an epoxy resin mixture was poured on the surface of mold and evenly distributed with a brush. This mixture consisted of epoxy and hardener that had been properly mixed in a proportion of 100:10. Then, pre-weighted and aligned blended braided fibre strands were placed on top of it. After that, the strands were covered with the leftover epoxy mixture and an over head projector sheet was placed over it. A roller was gently rolled over it to liberate any trapped bubbles or gases. After securely closing the mold, a 20 kg weight was placed on top of it, and the composite was allowed to cure for 24 hours. A 150 mm × 150 mm x 3 mm composite sheet was taken out and samples were separated in accordance with ASTM guidelines for tensile, flexural, impact, SEM, FTIR, and water absorption testing. Figure 2 displays the braided composite sheets obtained by the hand lay-up procedure. Table 1 Fibre weight content of reinforcements in matrix S.No Epoxy (Wt. %) Jute (Wt. %) Flax (Wt. %) Designation 1 100 0 0 Pure Epoxy 2 60 40 0 40JE 3 60 0 40 40FE 4 60 30 10 30JE10FE 4 60 20 20 20JE20FE 5 60 10 30 10JE30FE 2.2.3. Tensile test Tensile properties were determined for braided and blended braided composites using ASTM D3039 standard. Tensile test was performed using a universal testing machine INSTRON (Model 3369) equipped with a 10 kN load cell, a cross-head speed of 10 mm/minute, and a temperature of 25 o C. In a tensile test, the specimen is firmly mounted in the testing machine grips, and a gradual tensile load is applied uniformly over the specimen to determine the specimen's tensile stress and modulus. 2.2.4. Flexural test Using the ASTM D760-03 standard, flexural test was conducted on the braided and blended braided composites to assess their flexural behaviour under transverse load. This test is performed using the three point bending method with an INSTRON (Model: 3369) Universal Testing Machine. The flexural test was conducted with the following test parameters: a 50 mm span length, a 10 kN load cell, and a 10 mm/minute cross-head speed. 2.2.5. Impact test This test was conducted to assess the energy absorbed by the braided and blended braided composite specimen during fracture under an impact load. According to ASTM D256, sample sizes of 63.5 x 12.7 x 3 mm3 were used for this test, which was performed on a PSI impact testing apparatus using a 4.186 kg hammer. 2.2.6. Water absorption test The primary objective of the water absorption test for both braided and blended braided composite materials is to assess the how the material interaction with water, which can affect its mechanical properties, performance, and durability. The ASTM D570-98 guidelines were followed in the preparation of the sample. Prior to the water absorption test, clean and completely dried out specimens was precisely determined using a weighing balance to establish the initial weight (Ws). Measured specimens were immersed in tub filled with water and kept at room temperature for a whole day (24 hours). Taken out the specimens from the tub, remove excess surface water using a sponge, and then final weight (W f ) of the specimens was estimated to determine the percentage of water the specimen absorbed. The percentage of water absorption was estimated using the equation given below. % of water absorption = (W f -W s )/W s Where W s = Initial weight of dried specimens in grams. W f = Specimens' final weight in grams after their submersion in water. 2.2.7. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) The braided and blended braided composites functional groups, chemical constituents, and wave numbers were detected using FTIR spectroscopy analysis. The FT-IR Spectrometer (Model: PERKIN ELMER Spectrum 2), which has a spectral range of 4000 cm − 1 to 400 cm − 1 , was used for this characterization. To identify the aforementioned characteristics, the FTIR ray frequency has to match the vibration frequency of the functional groups present in the composite. 2.2.8. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) This SEM characterization provides images, which can be used to view the surface morphology, mode of failure and fibre-matrix bonding of failed composite specimens was studied. For this characterisation, a JEOL/EO scanning electron microscope (Model: JSM-6390) was used. These braided and blended braided composites are non-conductive; the tested specimens were encased with a tiny layer (3µ) of gold for making them conductive so as to produce clear images. 3. Results & Discussion The braided and blended braided composite specimens were fabricated using ASTM guidelines. These specimens were evaluated using the methods described in the methods section, and the findings were tabulated, summarized, and discussed under this subheading. 3.1. Tensile Test Table 2 shows the tensile stress and modulus data for the manufactured pure epoxy, braided jute/epoxy (40JE) and flax/epoxy (40FE) composites, as well as their blended braided composites (30JE10FE, 20JE20FE, and 10JE30FE). The tensile stress of pure epoxy was compared with jute/epoxy, flax/epoxy and blend braided jute/flax composites as shown in Fig. 3 . There was a noticeable rise in the tensile stress and modulus data of the composite specimen, when Jute, Flax, and blend braided Jute/Flax reinforcements were added to the epoxy matrix. According to Ejaz et al. [ 14 ] adding 40wt. % of flax and jute to PLA composite improves its tensile characteristics. In light of these findings, the combined weight percentage of flax and jute fibres was maintained at 40wt. % by adjusting the proportion of each fibre separately to determine the optimum proportion of flax to jute in the blended braided composites. Flax/epoxy (40FE) and blended braided composites exhibited greater tensile stress compared to jute/epoxy composites. One probable explanation is that flax fibre has a greater tensile stress compared to jute fibre because it contains more cellulose content [ 19 ]. Using jute (40JE), flax (40FE), and blended reinforcement (30JE10FE, 20JE20FE, and 10JE30FE) in epoxy, the tensile stress of pure epoxy (29.92 MPa) increased to 36.84 MPa (23.13%), 46.37 MPa (54.97%), 60.50 MPa (102.21%), 65.13 MPa (117.68), and 152.15 MPa (408.5%), respectively. Figure 3 compares the tensile modulus of pure epoxy with braided jute/epoxy, flax/epoxy, and blended braided jute/flax composites. Flax/epoxy (40FE) and blended braided composites exhibited higher tensile modulus than jute/epoxy composites. From Fig. 5 , the tensile modulus of pure epoxy (2674.44 MPa) was observed to increase to 3306.69 MPa (23.64%), 4179.87 MPa (56.28%), 5022.10 MPa (87.78%), 5314.69 MPa (98.72%), and 8431.00 MPa (215.24%) after jute (40JE), flax (40FE), and blended reinforcement (30JE10FE, 20JE20FE, and 10JE30FE) in epoxy composite, respectively. The braided composite has greater tensile stress and modulus than pure epoxy composite, due to the inclusion of braided flax and the improved adhesion between the blended braided (flax and jute) reinforcement and matrix which has been discussed in SEM results [ 20 ]. Head et al. [ 21 ] and Sainsbury-Carter et al. [ 22 ] both reported similar outcomes, showing that braiding the fibres improved the tensile strength and modulus of the braided composite materials owing to the interspersed arrangement of braided fibres helps to distribute the applied mechanical load more equally throughout the fibres. Table 2 Tensile properties of braided and blended braided jute-flax based specimens Designation of Samples Load at Break (N) Tensile stress (MPa) Tensile Modulus (MPa) Tensile strain at Break (mm/mm) Pure Epoxy 897.73 29.92 2674.44 0.01217 40JE 1073.95 36.84 3306.69 0.01667 40FE 1366.66 46.37 4179.87 0.02316 30JE10FE 1815.03 60.50 5022.10 0.02167 20JE20FE 1953.76 65.13 5314.69 0.02167 10JE30FE 4564.36 152.15 8431.00 0.03966 3.2. Flexural Test Table 3 shows the flexural stress and modulus values for the prepared pure epoxy, braided jute/epoxy (40JE) and flax/epoxy (40FE) composites, as well as their blended braided composites (30JE10FE, 20JE20FE, and 10JE30FE). The flexural stress of pure epoxy was compared with jute/epoxy, flax/epoxy and blend braided jute/flax composites as shown in Fig. 4 . There was a noticeable rise in the flexural stress and modulus values of the composite specimen, when Jute, Flax, and blended braided Jute/Flax reinforcements were added to the epoxy matrix. Flax/epoxy (40FE) and blended braided composites exhibited higher flexural stress than jute/epoxy composites. The reason is that flax fibre has a higher flexural stress compared to jute fibre because it contains more cellulose content [ 19 ]. Using jute (40JE), flax (40FE), and blended braided reinforcement (30JE10FE, 20JE20FE, and 10JE30FE) in epoxy, the flexural stress of pure epoxy (48.08 MPa) increased to 55.66 MPa (15.7%), 83.27 MPa (73.19%), 262.42 MPa (445.79%), 289.84 MPa (502.82%), and 371.05 MPa (671.73%), respectively. Figure 4 compares the flexural modulus of epoxy composite with braided jute/epoxy, flax/epoxy, and blended braided jute/flax composites. Braided Flax/epoxy (40FE) and blended braided composites exhibited higher flexural modulus than braided jute/epoxy composites. From Fig. 5 , the flexural modulus of epoxy composite (5786.85 MPa) was observed to increase to 12574.65 MPa (23.64%), 13565.86 MPa (56.28%), 17790.55 MPa (87.78%), 22547.65 MPa (98.72%), and 39768.77 MPa (215.24%) after jute (40JE), flax (40FE), and blended braided reinforcement (30JE10FE, 20JE20FE, and 10JE30FE) in epoxy composite, respectively. The braided and blended braided composite has greater flexural stress and modulus than pure epoxy composite. The inclusion of braided flax and jute fibers, as well as the blend of braided (flax and jute) fibres with the matrix, leads in enhanced interaction, as seen in SEM results [ 20 ]. Similar outcomes were published by Head et al. [ 21 ] and Sainsbury-Carter et al. [ 22 ], wherein braiding of fibres produced an increase in the bending strength and modulus of braided composite materials because each fibre strand in a braid has some degree of flexibility and stress dispersed effectively. Table 3 Flexural properties of braided and blended braided jute-flax based specimens Designation of Samples Flexural stress (MPa) Flexural Modulus (MPa) Pure Epoxy 48.08 5786.85 40JE 55.66 12574.65 40FE 83.27 13565.86 30JE10FE 262.42 17790.55 20JE20FE 289.84 22547.65 10JE30FE 371.05 39768.77 3.3. Impact Test Figure 5 illustrates the impact energy of the following composites: pure epoxy, flax/epoxy (40FE), jute/epoxy (40JE), and flax/jute/epoxy blend braided (30JE10FE, 20JE20FE, and 10JE30FE). The same values are displayed in Table 4 . After adding braided jute, flax, and blended braided fibres (jute/flax) to the epoxy matrix resulted in higher impact energy absorption. When compared to pure epoxy, flax/epoxy and jute/epoxy composites with 40 wt% reinforcement exhibited superior impact energy absorption. Higher impact energy absorption was observed in blend braided composite (10JE30FE) compared to flax/epoxy (40FE), jute/epoxy (40JE), and flax/jute/epoxy blend braided (30JE10FE, 20JE20FE) composites. The impact energy absorbed by pure epoxy 0.82J increased to 1.19 J (45.12%), 1.63 J (98.78%), 2.82 J (243.9%), 3.45 J (320.73%), and 4.64 J (465.85%) after reinforcement of jute (40JE), flax (40FE), and blend braided flax and jute (30JE10FE, 20JE20FE, 10JE30FE) in epoxy, respectively. Results from the impact test indicate that blend braided composites have a higher capacity to absorb impact energy than flax/epoxy (40FE) and jute/epoxy (40JE) composites. This is proven by the fact that pulling out fibres requires more energy when using flax fibre. Because of its flexibility and capacity to distribute stress, braided fibre composites are more effective at absorbing shock loads than braided ones. Siakeng et al. [ 23 ] also reported similar outcomes, showing that impact strength was enhanced by hybridizing coir and pineapple leaf fibres in comparison to single fibre reinforced composites. The low velocity impact damage tolerance is caused by the locking mechanism that prevents delamination between the intertwined strands of the braid pattern [ 24 ]. The impact energy of the composite material depends on the toughness of individual constituents in the form of fibres, fibre hybridization, and braiding, as well as their interfacial strength. As a result of impact loading, braiding enhances interfacial adhesion and prevents cracks from spreading. Because the coefficient of friction between two distinct fibres is higher than that between similar fibres, two braided layers of different fibres require higher energy to exfoliate during impact forces than layers of the identical fibres [ 14 ]. Table 4 Impact energy of braided and blended braided jute-flax based specimens Designation of Samples Impact Energy (J) Impact Strength (KJ/m 2 ) Pure Epoxy 0.82 21.52 40JE 1.19 31.23 40FE 1.63 42.78 30JE10FE 2.82 74.01 20JE20FE 3.45 90.55 10JE30FE 4.64 121.78 3.4. Water absorption test Characterization of water absorption was performed on six different composites, including samples that were pure epoxy, braided and blended braided fibres. The results obtained were shown in Fig. 6 . Due to the hydrophobic characteristic of epoxy, pure epoxy composites absorb less water than other prepared composites. The mechanical characteristics and dimensional stability of polymer composites containing natural fibres can be adversely affected by water due to their low water resistance. Three methods might lead to water absorption in NFRC composites: the diffusion of water into voids through capillarity action; manufacturing flaws at the interfaces between the fibres and matrix; and the distribution of water content within the tiny gaps between the polymer and fibres. A graph of water absorption (%) against immersed time is shown in Fig. 6 . Because flax and jute are lingo-cellulosic fibres, they are extremely hydrophilic. Due to its high cellulose concentration (70–85%), flax fibre is more likely to absorb water. Jute fibre holds lesser percentage of water than flax fibre due to its lower cellulose content (45–71.5%). Braided fibres have somewhat higher water absorption than braided composites because they have a complicated structure due to being interlaced in a crisscross pattern, resulting in interstitial spaces [ 25 ]. When the fibres are blend braided, the water absorption increases because the flax fibre content is higher than the jute fibre. The cause is that high cellulose flax fibre is combined with low cellulose jute fibre. Water absorption of a blend braided composite is impacted by its immersed time, tightness of the braid, fibre content, interstitial gaps, type of fibre, and fabrication quality. Both braided and blended braided composites show a dramatic increase in water absorption for a period of 120 hours, then level off after 240 hours. Natural fibres absorb water because their surfaces are in direct contact with water. The basis for this is that water absorption occurs through micro-gaps is formed at the interfaces during the hand-layup process [ 26 ]. 3.5. FTIR Spectroscopy The blend braided composite, which has highest mechanical properties, is subjected to FTIR spectroscopy. Figure 7 depicts a graph of wave numbers (cm − 1 ) and percentage transmittance, which is used to identify functional groups and chemical bonds. Figure 10 shows that a peak at 3443.65 cm − 1 is ascribed to the O-H stretching of the chemical bond, and an alcohol functional group was found in the cellulose a compound [ 27 ]. A tiny peak at 3061.22 cm − 1 and 3027.20 cm − 1 was assigned to the C-H stretching of the chemical bond, and an alkenes functional group was identified in cellulose and lignin [ 28 ]. A medium peak located at 2924.30 cm − 1 was attributed to the chemical bond's C-H stretching, and cellulose and hemicelluloses were found to include an alkanes functional group [ 14 ]. A significant peak at 1728.39 cm − 1 in cellulose indicates an acetyl group and a C = O stretching bond [ 14 ]. Weak peaks at 1600.22 cm − 1 and 1580.70 cm − 1 indicate an aromatic ring C-C (in-ring) as a chemical bond and amine as a functional group in lignin [ 27 ]. A peak at 1493.73 cm − 1 and 1453.47 cm − 1 corresponds to the stretching of methyl and methylene (-CH2, CH2) bond, as well as benzene group in lignin [ 29 ]. A weak peak at 1372.17 cm − 1 conforms the stretching of carbon hydrogen (C-H) bonds and alkanes groups in cellulose [ 27 ]. A strong peak at 1282.86 cm − 1 relates the stretching of the O-C bond and carboxylic acid group in cellulose and hemicelluloses [ 27 ]. A medium peak at 1135.88 cm − 1 and 1070.14 cm − 1 represents the stretching of the O-C = O bond and ester group in cellulose and hemicelluloses [ 27 ]. A medium peak at 743.56 cm − 1 and 700.94 cm − 1 represents the bending of the aromatic C-H bond and benzene group in cellulose [ 23 , 30 ]. 3.6. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) This characterization can be used to investigate the outside properties, type of failure, and morphology of braided flax/epoxy (40FE), jute/epoxy (40JE), and blended braided jute/flax fibre (10JE/30FE) tested composite specimens. The generated images were displayed in Fig. 8 – 10 . Figure 8 shows a SEM image of the composite made of braided jute fibre. Here, the matrix and jute fibres are visible, as are certain areas with voids and fibre pullouts. Fibre pullout is caused by inadequate bonding between the elements of the composite material. Figure 9 displays the SEM picture of the composite composed of braided flax fibre. Flax fibre and matrix, fibre failure, and holes due to fibre pullouts are visible. SEM images of fractured composites reveal equally distributed fibres incorporated into epoxy resin. A fibre failure in composite specimen occurs as a result of effective interfacial bonding between the flax fiber and resin. The effective surface interaction was responsible for the superior mechanical characteristics. Figure 10 showcases the SEM image of a blended braided composite made with flax/jute fibre and epoxy resin. In this image, flax fibre, jute fibre, and matrix, as well as their strong surface interactions are visible. This phenomenon contributes to the higher mechanical properties. There was an indication of fibre pullout in a few places due to insufficient bond between epoxy and reinforcements [ 30 , 31 ]. 4. Conclusions Six different composites were made using epoxy, braided flax (4FE), braided jute (40JE), and blended braided composites by altering the weight ratio of fibers (30JE/10FE, 20JE/20FE, and 10JE/30FE) reinforced into epoxy resin utilizing a hand lay-up procedure. Mechanical tests were performed on the aforementioned composites to determine their tensile, flexural, and impact properties. The results of the mechanical testing, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, and water absorption investigations lead to the following conclusions. Mechanical test findings show that the 10JE/30FE blended braided composite has higher mechanical properties than both braided and blended braided composites. The fact that flax fibre contains higher levels of cellulose content over jute fibre can be the reason for the improvement in mechanical properties. The interspersed arrangement of braided fibres helps to distribute the applied mechanical load more equally throughout the fibres. Because each fibre strand in a braid has some degree of flexibility, stress may be distributed and absorbed more effectively. According to FTIR data, the blended braided hybrid composite is confirmed to contain OH, C-H, C-C, O-C, C = O, O-C = O, CH 2 , and CH 3 chemical bonds. It additionally provides functional groups like alcohol, carboxylic acid, alkane, and benzene. The presence of hemicelluloses, lignin, and cellulose was confirmed by the FTIR spectra. The SEM analysis of the tested specimens exhibited jute and flax fibres, epoxy resin, holes, and fibre pull-outs owing by inadequate surface adhesion. Fibre breakage was found to be caused by strong interfacial adhesion between the matrix and the braided fibres. Braided Jute fibre holds lesser percentage of water than flax fibre due to its lower cellulose content (45–71.5%) compared to flax fibre's (70–85%), which increases the latter's tendency for water absorption. The ability of the composite to absorb water is diminishes when a higher cellulose content (flax) is blended with less cellulose fiber (jute) during the blended braiding process (30JE10FE). The percentage of water that a hybrid composite material absorbs depends on its type of fibre, composition, manufacturing quality, and duration of submersion. Declarations Author Contribution Bandi Madhusudhan Reddy - Conceptualization, Investigation, Writing - original draft.Vutukur Satish Kumar - Supervision, Writing- Review and Editing.Reddigari Meenakshi Reddy – Resources, Methodology, Writing - original draft.Gudimetta Suresh Kumar – Data curation, Validation and Writing- Review and Editing.Yerasi Venkata Mohan Reddy – Investigation, Writing- Review and Editing. Koppula Madhava Reddy – Methodology, Visualization, Writing- Review and Editing. Acknowledgement The authors are thankful to the Management of G. Pulla Reddy Engineering College (Autonomous): Kurnool, for providing the facility to conduct this study as well as the mechanical testing facility. The authors extend their thanks to STIC Cochin, Kerala, for providing the testing facility for FTIR, XRD, and SEM characterization. References Angrizani C. C., Ornaghi H. L., Zattera A. J., Amico S. C.: Thermal and mechanical investigation of interlaminate glass/curaua hybrid polymer composites. J. Nat. Fiber. 14 , 271-277 (2017). Sheeba K. R. J., Priya R. K., Arunachalam K. P., Avudaiappan S., Maureira-Carsalade N., Roco-Videla Á.:. Characterisation of Sodium Acetate Treatment on Acacia pennata Natural Fibres. Polymers, 15 , 1996 (2023). Xiao, H., Sultan, M. T. H., Shahar, F. S., Nayak, S. Y., Yidris, N., Shah, A. U. M.:. Development of hybrid aluminum/carbon fiber/pineapple leaf fiber laminates using vacuum assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) for automotive applications. Appl. Compos. Mater. 31 , 561-581 (2024). Akter, M., Uddin, M. H., & Anik, H. R.: Plant fiber-reinforced polymer composites: a review on modification, fabrication, properties, and applications. Polym. Bull. 81, 1-85 (2024). Saravanakumar P., Karuppuswamy P., Binoj J. S.: Effect of alkali-treated Moringaoleifera fruit husk fibre/SiC nanoparticle reinforced polymer composites. Proc. Inst. Mech. Eng. Part E. 238 , 483-492 (2024). Reddy K. H., Reddy R. M., Ramesh M., Krishnudu D. M., Reddy B. M., Rao H. R.: Impact of alkali treatment on characterization of tapsi (sterculiaurens) natural bark fiber reinforced polymer composites. J. Nat. Fiber. (2021). Reddy, B. M., Reddy, R. M., Reddy, P. V., Prashanth, N. N. A., Bandhu, D.: Effect of alkali treatment on mechanical properties and morphology of the Balanites aegyptiaca composite. Proc. Inst. Mech. E. Part C: J. Mech. Eng. Sci. 238 , 5077-5086 (2024). Hadj-Djilani, A., Kioua, A., Zitoune, R., Toubal, L., Bougherara, H.: Exploring the flexural and impact properties of pure flax/epoxy and Kevlar/flax/epoxy composites through experimental and numerical analysis. Proc. Inst. Mech. E. Part L: J. Mater. Des. Appl. 237 , 2361-2378 (2023). Ramesh M. J. P. I. M. S.: Flax (Linumusitatissimum L.) fibre reinforced polymer composite materials: A review on preparation, properties and prospects. Prog. Mater. Sci. 102 , 109-166 (2019). Bozaci E., Sever K., Sarikanat M., Seki Y., Demir A., Ozdogan E., Tavman I.: Effects of the atmospheric plasma treatments on surface and mechanical properties of flax fiber and adhesion between fiber–matrix for composite materials. Compos. B: Eng. 45 , 565-572 (2013). More A. P.: Flax fiber–based polymer composites: a review. Adv. Compos. Hybrid Mater. 5 , 1-20 (2022). Jawaid M., Khalil H. A., Hassan A., Dungani R., Hadiyane A.: Effect of jute fibre loading on tensile and dynamic mechanical properties of oil palm epoxy composites. Compos. B: Eng. 45 , 619-624 (2013). Dilfi A., Balan K. F. A., Bin H., Xian G., Thomas S.: Effect of surface modification of jute fiber on the mechanical properties and durability of jute fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites. Polym. Compos. 39 , pp. E2519–E2528 (2018). Ejaz M., Azad M. M., Shah A. U. R., Afaq S. K., Song J. I.: Mechanical and biodegradable properties of jute/flax reinforced PLA composites. Fibers Polym. 21 , 2635-2641 (2020). Rathinavel S., Basithrahman A., Karthikeyan J., Banu T., Senthilkumar S., Senthilkumar T. S.: Chemical treatment effect on hydration and mechanical properties of basalt and Kevlar fiber-epoxy-based hybrid composites. Biomass Convers. Biorefin. 1-13 (2024). Arivendan A., Chen X., Zhang Y. F., Sumesh K. R., Gao W., Siva I., Kavimani V., Syamani F.A., Thangiah W. J. J.: The effect of fibre length and content on Aloe vera and ramie fibre-reinforced epoxy hybrid composite properties. Biomass Convers. Biorefin. 1-12 (2024). Ayranci C., Carey J.: 2D braided composites: A review for stiffness critical applications. Compos. Struct. 85 , 43-58 (2008). Evans K. R., Carey J. P.: Feasibility of a braided composite for orthopedic bone cast. Open Biomed. Eng. J. 7 , 9 (2013). Duan L., Yu W., Li, Z.: Analysis of structural changes in jute fibers after peracetic acid treatment. Journal of Engineered Fibers and Fabrics, 12 , 155892501701200104, (2017). Gunti R., Ratna Prasad A. V., Gupta A. V. S. S. K. S.: Mechanical and degradation properties of natural fiber‐reinforced PLA composites: Jute, sisal, and elephant grass. Polym. Compos. 39 , 1125-1136 (2018). Head A., Ko F., Pastore C.: Atkins and Pearce handbook of industrial braiding, 1989. Sainsbury-Carter J. B.:Braided composites. A material form providing low cost fabrication techniques. In Proceedings of the National SAMPE Symposium and Exhibition, 30 , 1486-1497 (1985). Siakeng R., Jawaid M., Asim M., Fouad H., Awad S., Saba N., Siengchin S.: Flexural and dynamic mechanical properties of alkali-treated coir/pineapple leaf fibres reinforced polylactic acid hybrid biocomposites. J. Bionic Eng. 18 , 1430-1438 (2021). Waas D., Hoon D.: Design of composite tubular structures for impact damage tolerance. In 30th National SAMPE Symp. Exhibition, 1294-308 (1985). Zhang D., Zheng X., Zhou J., Song X., Jia P., Liu H., Liu X.: Effect of braiding architectures on the mechanical and failure behavior of 3D braided composites: Experimental investigation. Polymers, 14 , 1916 (2022). Kanakannavar S., Pitchaimani J.: Relation between water absorption and mechanical properties of flax 3D braided yarn woven fabric PLA bio-degradable composites. Plast. Rubber Compos. 53 , 3-12 (2024). Yap M. G. S., Que Y. T., Chia, L. H. L.: FTIR characterization of tropical wood–polymer composites. Journal of applied polymer science, 43 , 2083-2090 (1991). Yunita T., Kusuma A. W. P., Novita S. E.: Effect of addition tahongai leaf extract (kleinhovia hospita linn.) as organic inhibitor on 1040 AISI steel. In IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 547 ,012006 (2019). IOP Publishing. Foo G. S., Rogers A. K., Yung M. M., Sievers C.: Steric effect and evolution of surface species in the hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oil model compounds over Pt/HBEA. ACS Catalysis, 6 , 1292-1307 (2016). Reddy B. M., Reddy Y. V. M., Reddy B. C. M., Kumar G. S., Reddy P. V., Rao H. R.: A study on mechanical, structural, morphological, and thermal properties of raw and alkali treated Cordia dichotoma‐polyester composite. Polym. Compos. 42 , 309-319 (2021). Kumar G.S., Rathan A., Bandhu D., Reddy B.M., Rao H.R., Swami S., Saxena K.K., Eldin S.M., Prashanth N.N.A.: Mechanical and thermal characterization of coir/hemp/polyester hybrid composite for lightweight applications. J. Mater. Res. Technol. 26 , 8242-8253 (2023). Additional Declarations No competing interests reported. Cite Share Download PDF Status: Posted Version 1 posted You are reading this latest preprint version Research Square lets you share your work early, gain feedback from the community, and start making changes to your manuscript prior to peer review in a journal. As a division of Research Square Company, we’re committed to making research communication faster, fairer, and more useful. We do this by developing innovative software and high quality services for the global research community. Our growing team is made up of researchers and industry professionals working together to solve the most critical problems facing scientific publishing. Also discoverable on Platform About Our Team In Review Editorial Policies Advisory Board Help Center Resources Author Services Accessibility API Access RSS feed Manage Cookie Preferences © Research Square 2026 | ISSN 2693-5015 (online) Privacy Policy Terms of Service Do Not Sell My Personal Information {"props":{"pageProps":{"initialData":{"identity":"rs-6194563","acceptedTermsAndConditions":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"archivedVersions":[],"articleType":"Research Article","associatedPublications":[],"authors":[{"id":427196508,"identity":"b257eaeb-ec42-42a5-8c04-045f45c4d0dc","order_by":0,"name":"Bandi Madhusudhan 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\u003c/strong\u003eProcedure for fibre braiding, (b) Braiding of flax fibre strands, (c) Braiding of jute fibre strands, (d) \u0026amp; (e) Blended braiding of flax / jute fibre strands\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage1.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6194563/v1/150602d56506df1b8cf17e2d.png"},{"id":78458394,"identity":"5a5a9993-96d6-427f-b60a-689d97bf1593","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-03-13 13:07:55","extension":"jpeg","order_by":2,"title":"Figure 2","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":704786,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eDisplays the braided composite sheets obtained by the hand lay-up procedure\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage2.jpeg","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6194563/v1/eee06feadf7fc8de010c7bb5.jpeg"},{"id":78458121,"identity":"8a22c0e8-138d-485d-aff6-1486b262e91b","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-03-13 12:59:55","extension":"png","order_by":3,"title":"Figure 3","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":123316,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eTensile properties of braided and blended braided jute-flax specimens\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage3.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6194563/v1/5e5a25d82b8401b8acdae15b.png"},{"id":78458128,"identity":"749f758a-ed3c-4c27-a8b1-e8898bfa4763","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-03-13 12:59:55","extension":"png","order_by":4,"title":"Figure 4","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":142874,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eFlexural Stress and Modulus of braided and blended braided jute-flax specimens\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage4.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6194563/v1/2f0a54f153eb2ff1c1a4b2a3.png"},{"id":78459365,"identity":"660d39cb-22f0-48a1-96fc-fb6c1a72aa02","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-03-13 13:15:55","extension":"png","order_by":5,"title":"Figure 5","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":75328,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eImpact energy of braided and blended braided jute-flax specimens\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage5.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6194563/v1/75c42518976795cc1ed82b23.png"},{"id":78458397,"identity":"bde103a8-1019-45da-abe4-c6521c4b06e0","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-03-13 13:07:55","extension":"png","order_by":6,"title":"Figure 6","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":174444,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003edisplays a graph of water absorption (%) versus Immersion time\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage6.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6194563/v1/c46c5faf3996236f6981e715.png"},{"id":78458400,"identity":"ae061f90-74e0-440d-8a43-0d920183fb8a","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-03-13 13:07:56","extension":"png","order_by":7,"title":"Figure 7","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":59056,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eFTIR Spectra of blend braided jute/ flax composite\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage7.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6194563/v1/45499cf546da59c3e1ff411a.png"},{"id":78458129,"identity":"9dc1cd8b-44b4-45c6-b32f-9ac83bf210c9","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-03-13 12:59:55","extension":"png","order_by":8,"title":"Figure 8","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":194074,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSEM image of 40JE composite\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage8.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6194563/v1/107daeac3ef3f6732622fdac.png"},{"id":78458136,"identity":"35f5d55f-7e96-45ef-8143-a90fb8d46cd4","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-03-13 12:59:55","extension":"png","order_by":9,"title":"Figure 9","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":199692,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSEM image of 40FE composite\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage9.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6194563/v1/df3440ac57f40a484099a1a5.png"},{"id":78460051,"identity":"6e901865-ab7b-4cb7-8010-0cc8770b4ea5","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-03-13 13:23:56","extension":"png","order_by":10,"title":"Figure 10","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"figure","size":280859,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"\u003cp\u003eSEM image of 10JE30FE composite\u003c/p\u003e","description":"","filename":"floatimage10.png","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6194563/v1/408deb19851b1e486bff7b4d.png"},{"id":78472533,"identity":"2c2d3e3c-758d-434f-847e-c17431edd447","added_by":"auto","created_at":"2025-03-13 16:01:36","extension":"pdf","order_by":0,"title":"","display":"","copyAsset":false,"role":"manuscript-pdf","size":3333283,"visible":true,"origin":"","legend":"","description":"","filename":"manuscript.pdf","url":"https://assets-eu.researchsquare.com/files/rs-6194563/v1/fea533ab-7fb5-4a59-b9d0-476c65f94141.pdf"}],"financialInterests":"No competing interests reported.","formattedTitle":"Effect of Braiding of Jute and Flax Fibres on Mechanical, Water Absorption and Morphological Properties of Epoxy Composite","fulltext":[{"header":"Highlights","content":"\u003cp\u003e1. Flax and Jute fibres were selected and braided to increase their strength.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e2. The hand-layup technique was used to reinforce braided fibres into epoxy resin.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e3. Mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, and impact were evaluated.\u003c/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e4. FTIR, SEM, and water absorption characteristics of composites were investigated.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"1. Introduction","content":"\u003cp\u003eSeveral researchers investigated and confirmed that natural fibres are an effective replacement for manmade fibres in polymer composite reinforcement. These natural fibres are substances obtained from natural resources like plants, animals, and vegetables. In comparison to synthetic fibres, and metals, plant fibres offer certain desirable characteristics like low toxicity, lightweight, low density, abundantly available, biodegradable and low cost [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR1\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR2\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e]. Common natural fibres utilized as reinforcement in polymer matrices include pineapple, banana, snake, cotton, jute, and flax. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR3\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e]. These composites are used in a wide range of low-load bearing applications, such as automotive, structural, packaging, and sports frames [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR4\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e]. However, their moderate mechanical performance and high absorption of moisture limit their applicability [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR5\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e]. It is challenging to forecast how the composites would work because natural fibre has some disadvantages, such as a high rate of moisture absorption, less stability in dimensions, and poor interfacial adhesion. To overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, well-known and effective chemical alteration procedures include treatments with alkali (NaOH), silane and potassium (KOH) [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR6\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR7\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eJute and flax fibres were employed as reinforcements in thermosetting resins, and their performance was investigated by a number of researchers. According to the literature, flax fibres are the strongest and have good mechanical properties. They are also environmentally friendly, lightweight, recyclable, and biodegradable [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR8\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e]. Ramesh [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR9\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e] reviewed the extraction, chemical treatment, preparation, and fabrication methods for flax fibres. Bozaci et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR10\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e] investigated an atmospheric plasma chemical treatment approach for flax fibre to improve the compatibility between polyester resin and flax fibres. The SEM morphology confirmed the compatibility of manufactured composite, and this enhanced compatibility also increases the mechanical properties of manufactured composite. More [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR11\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e11\u003c/span\u003e] conducted a review of flax fibre extraction, surface treatment, polymer matrix selection, manufacturing processes, mechanical performance, and composite morphology. The review concluded that flax fibre-based composites are more environmentally friendly than petroleum-based composites.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eJute fibres are typically categorized as bast fibres that can be extracted from the bast that envelops the plant stem. These fibres are strong, smooth, and lengthy, and can be spun into coarse, strong threads. Advantages of jute fibres are strong, highly versatile, cost-effective and environment-friendly. The non-hybrid composites of jute/epoxy, oil palm/epoxy, and hybrid composites (oil palm/jute/epoxy) were investigated by Jawaid et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR12\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e12\u003c/span\u003e]. This study primarily examines the impact of fibre content on the damping behaviour and tensile properties of the composite fabricated using hand-lay-up procedure. The results demonstrate that damping behaviour and tensile strength increase with increasing jute fibre content. Dilfi et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR13\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e13\u003c/span\u003e] investigated the impact of altering the jute fibre surface on epoxy polymer composite. This alteration enhances the durability and mechanical properties of the manufactured composite.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eAny single fibre reinforcement, such as flax or jute fibres in a polymer matrix, could fail to meet the requirements of today's industrial and societal scenarios. Later, researchers turned to hybrid polymer composites to improve mechanical, economic, and biodegradable properties. Ejaz et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e] investigated the utilization of flax and jute natural fibres as individual and hybrid reinforcement in a Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) matrix by hot press compression moulding techniques. Tensile and impact tests, as well as additional characterizations such as biodegradability, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, were used to validate the developed composites for the packing and automobile industries. Rathinavel et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR15\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e15\u003c/span\u003e] studied the mechanical and hydration properties of basalt and Kevlar fibres employed as individual and hybrid reinforcements in epoxy resin while considering for different chemical treatments like NaOH and HCl. According to the findings, the produced composites cause less environmental issues and are appropriate for aircraft structural applications. Arivendan et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR16\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e16\u003c/span\u003e] reported that the behaviour of Aloe-vera and ramie fiber reinforced epoxy hybrid composites are determined by the length and weight content of individual and hybrid fibres. The braiding of individual and hybrid fibre-reinforced polymer composites has received very little attention in research. Ayranci et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR17\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e17\u003c/span\u003e] reviewed the 2D braiding process for polymer composite materials and its merits of composite materials over conventional engineering metals. Review states that these composites are used in automobile, medical and aerospace applications. Evans et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR18\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e18\u003c/span\u003e] study a tubular braided composite bone cast to improve the efficiency and quality of bone fracture treatment.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eBased on the available literature, jute and flax fibres are promising individual reinforcements for polymer composites. However, there is very little research has been done on green braided composites. A green braided composite is made up of two materials: reinforcing fibres and binding matrix. This combination offers improved usability, desirable stiffness and strengths. In this investigation, flax and jute natural fibres were put in place as braided and braided hybrid reinforcement in an epoxy matrix for composite fabrication via hand lay-up procedure. Six distinct samples were taken into consideration for this investigation; one is pure epoxy, two of them were braided fibres (100% jute, 100% flax), while the other three were blended braided fibre combinations (75:25 jute/flax, 50:50 jute/flax, and 25:75 jute/flax). Tensile, flexural, and impact tests were carried out over the produced composites to determine the impact of adding natural fibre reinforcement in the form of braided and blended braided fibres to the epoxy matrix. SEM morphology was performed on the aforementioned composites to verify bonding, surface morphology, and the kind of fibre failure was investigated. FT-IR spectroscopy is used to recognize the functional groups, wave numbers and chemical bonds contained in the manufactured composites. Water absorption was also examined to find out how stable the composite was under different environmental conditions.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"2. Materials and Methods","content":"\u003cp\u003eIn materials section describes the natural reinforcements and matrix materials employed in this investigation. The methods section describes the fabrication methods, mechanical testing procedures, SEM morphology, FT-IR spectroscopy and water absorption characteristics of the prepared composites.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec3\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.1. Materials\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe materials employed in this study include epoxy as a matrix and flax and jute fibres were utilized as reinforcements. The epoxy resin (grade: LY556) and hardener (grade: HY951) used for this study were purchased from Ram Composite products, located in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, India. Flax and jute fibres were acquired from Go Green Products in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) and carbon-black wax were purchased from Madhu Scientific Labs in Kurnool.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec4\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2. Methods\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec5\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.1 Braiding of fibre strands\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFibre braiding is done by taking two natural fibres of similar length, aligning their ends, and tying a knot at one end. Hold the fibre bundle by its fastened end. Make sure the fibres are spread out to easily hold and cross them over one another. To get a uniform braid, continue the procedure while keeping even tension in each fibre. Finish the braid, when you have reached the end of the fibres or the appropriate length, tie a knot or use a clip to secure the braid. The braided fibre strands were shown in the Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec6\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.2 Fabrication of braided and blend braided composite\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe fabrication of braided and blend braided composites were developed making use of hand-layup process. At first, two braided fibre composites (jute/epoxy and flax/epoxy) were created by maintaining a 40 percentage by weight (40 wt. %) reinforcement in epoxy resin. In the next stage, flax and jute blended braided fibres were reinforced with epoxy resin and fabricated in varied proportions of braided flax and jute fibres, with the reinforcement\u0026rsquo;s combined weight being equal to 40 wt. % of the composite. Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab1\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e1\u003c/span\u003e describes the varied weight proportions of jute and flax fibres in an epoxy matrix, including designation. For fabrication of composite, a thin coating of releasing gel was applied by spraying it onto the mold surface to avoid resin from sticking. Afterwards, an epoxy resin mixture was poured on the surface of mold and evenly distributed with a brush. This mixture consisted of epoxy and hardener that had been properly mixed in a proportion of 100:10. Then, pre-weighted and aligned blended braided fibre strands were placed on top of it. After that, the strands were covered with the leftover epoxy mixture and an over head projector sheet was placed over it. A roller was gently rolled over it to liberate any trapped bubbles or gases. After securely closing the mold, a 20 kg weight was placed on top of it, and the composite was allowed to cure for 24 hours. A 150 mm \u0026times; 150 mm x 3 mm composite sheet was taken out and samples were separated in accordance with ASTM guidelines for tensile, flexural, impact, SEM, FTIR, and water absorption testing. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e displays the braided composite sheets obtained by the hand lay-up procedure.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab1\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 1\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFibre weight content of reinforcements in matrix\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eS.No\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eEpoxy (Wt. %)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eJute (Wt. %)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFlax (Wt. %)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDesignation\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e100\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePure Epoxy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40JE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40FE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30JE10FE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20JE20FE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10JE30FE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec7\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.3. Tensile test\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTensile properties were determined for braided and blended braided composites using ASTM D3039 standard. Tensile test was performed using a universal testing machine INSTRON (Model 3369) equipped with a 10 kN load cell, a cross-head speed of 10 mm/minute, and a temperature of 25\u003csup\u003eo\u003c/sup\u003eC. In a tensile test, the specimen is firmly mounted in the testing machine grips, and a gradual tensile load is applied uniformly over the specimen to determine the specimen's tensile stress and modulus.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec8\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.4. Flexural test\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eUsing the ASTM D760-03 standard, flexural test was conducted on the braided and blended braided composites to assess their flexural behaviour under transverse load. This test is performed using the three point bending method with an INSTRON (Model: 3369) Universal Testing Machine. The flexural test was conducted with the following test parameters: a 50 mm span length, a 10 kN load cell, and a 10 mm/minute cross-head speed.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec9\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.5. Impact test\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis test was conducted to assess the energy absorbed by the braided and blended braided composite specimen during fracture under an impact load. According to ASTM D256, sample sizes of 63.5 x 12.7 x 3 mm3 were used for this test, which was performed on a PSI impact testing apparatus using a 4.186 kg hammer.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec10\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.6. Water absorption test\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe primary objective of the water absorption test for both braided and blended braided composite materials is to assess the how the material interaction with water, which can affect its mechanical properties, performance, and durability. The ASTM D570-98 guidelines were followed in the preparation of the sample. Prior to the water absorption test, clean and completely dried out specimens was precisely determined using a weighing balance to establish the initial weight (Ws). Measured specimens were immersed in tub filled with water and kept at room temperature for a whole day (24 hours). Taken out the specimens from the tub, remove excess surface water using a sponge, and then final weight (W\u003csub\u003ef\u003c/sub\u003e) of the specimens was estimated to determine the percentage of water the specimen absorbed. The percentage of water absorption was estimated using the equation given below.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e% of water absorption = (W\u003csub\u003ef\u003c/sub\u003e-W\u003csub\u003es\u003c/sub\u003e)/W\u003csub\u003es\u003c/sub\u003e\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eWhere W\u003csub\u003es\u003c/sub\u003e = Initial weight of dried specimens in grams. W\u003csub\u003ef\u003c/sub\u003e = Specimens' final weight in grams after their submersion in water.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec11\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.7. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe braided and blended braided composites functional groups, chemical constituents, and wave numbers were detected using FTIR spectroscopy analysis. The FT-IR Spectrometer (Model: PERKIN ELMER Spectrum 2), which has a spectral range of 4000 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e to 400 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e, was used for this characterization. To identify the aforementioned characteristics, the FTIR ray frequency has to match the vibration frequency of the functional groups present in the composite.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec12\" class=\"Section3\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e2.2.8. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis SEM characterization provides images, which can be used to view the surface morphology, mode of failure and fibre-matrix bonding of failed composite specimens was studied. For this characterisation, a JEOL/EO scanning electron microscope (Model: JSM-6390) was used. These braided and blended braided composites are non-conductive; the tested specimens were encased with a tiny layer (3\u0026micro;) of gold for making them conductive so as to produce clear images.\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"3. Results \u0026 Discussion","content":"\u003cp\u003eThe braided and blended braided composite specimens were fabricated using ASTM guidelines. These specimens were evaluated using the methods described in the methods section, and the findings were tabulated, summarized, and discussed under this subheading.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec14\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.1. Tensile Test\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab2\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e2\u003c/span\u003e shows the tensile stress and modulus data for the manufactured pure epoxy, braided jute/epoxy (40JE) and flax/epoxy (40FE) composites, as well as their blended braided composites (30JE10FE, 20JE20FE, and 10JE30FE). The tensile stress of pure epoxy was compared with jute/epoxy, flax/epoxy and blend braided jute/flax composites as shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e. There was a noticeable rise in the tensile stress and modulus data of the composite specimen, when Jute, Flax, and blend braided Jute/Flax reinforcements were added to the epoxy matrix. According to Ejaz et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e] adding 40wt. % of flax and jute to PLA composite improves its tensile characteristics. In light of these findings, the combined weight percentage of flax and jute fibres was maintained at 40wt. % by adjusting the proportion of each fibre separately to determine the optimum proportion of flax to jute in the blended braided composites. Flax/epoxy (40FE) and blended braided composites exhibited greater tensile stress compared to jute/epoxy composites. One probable explanation is that flax fibre has a greater tensile stress compared to jute fibre because it contains more cellulose content [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]. Using jute (40JE), flax (40FE), and blended reinforcement (30JE10FE, 20JE20FE, and 10JE30FE) in epoxy, the tensile stress of pure epoxy (29.92 MPa) increased to 36.84 MPa (23.13%), 46.37 MPa (54.97%), 60.50 MPa (102.21%), 65.13 MPa (117.68), and 152.15 MPa (408.5%), respectively.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e compares the tensile modulus of pure epoxy with braided jute/epoxy, flax/epoxy, and blended braided jute/flax composites. Flax/epoxy (40FE) and blended braided composites exhibited higher tensile modulus than jute/epoxy composites. From Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, the tensile modulus of pure epoxy (2674.44 MPa) was observed to increase to 3306.69 MPa (23.64%), 4179.87 MPa (56.28%), 5022.10 MPa (87.78%), 5314.69 MPa (98.72%), and 8431.00 MPa (215.24%) after jute (40JE), flax (40FE), and blended reinforcement (30JE10FE, 20JE20FE, and 10JE30FE) in epoxy composite, respectively. The braided composite has greater tensile stress and modulus than pure epoxy composite, due to the inclusion of braided flax and the improved adhesion between the blended braided (flax and jute) reinforcement and matrix which has been discussed in SEM results [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]. Head et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e] and Sainsbury-Carter et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e] both reported similar outcomes, showing that braiding the fibres improved the tensile strength and modulus of the braided composite materials owing to the interspersed arrangement of braided fibres helps to distribute the applied mechanical load more equally throughout the fibres.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab2\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 2\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTensile properties of braided and blended braided jute-flax based specimens\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"5\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c4\" colnum=\"4\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c5\" colnum=\"5\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDesignation of Samples\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eLoad at Break (N)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTensile stress (MPa)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTensile\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eModulus (MPa)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eTensile strain at Break (mm/mm)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePure Epoxy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e897.73\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e29.92\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2674.44\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01217\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40JE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1073.95\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e36.84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3306.69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.01667\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40FE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1366.66\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e46.37\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4179.87\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02316\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30JE10FE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1815.03\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e60.50\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5022.10\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02167\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20JE20FE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1953.76\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e65.13\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5314.69\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.02167\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10JE30FE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4564.36\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e152.15\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c4\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e8431.00\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c5\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.03966\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec15\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.2. Flexural Test\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eTable\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab3\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e3\u003c/span\u003e shows the flexural stress and modulus values for the prepared pure epoxy, braided jute/epoxy (40JE) and flax/epoxy (40FE) composites, as well as their blended braided composites (30JE10FE, 20JE20FE, and 10JE30FE). The flexural stress of pure epoxy was compared with jute/epoxy, flax/epoxy and blend braided jute/flax composites as shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e. There was a noticeable rise in the flexural stress and modulus values of the composite specimen, when Jute, Flax, and blended braided Jute/Flax reinforcements were added to the epoxy matrix. Flax/epoxy (40FE) and blended braided composites exhibited higher flexural stress than jute/epoxy composites. The reason is that flax fibre has a higher flexural stress compared to jute fibre because it contains more cellulose content [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR19\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e19\u003c/span\u003e]. Using jute (40JE), flax (40FE), and blended braided reinforcement (30JE10FE, 20JE20FE, and 10JE30FE) in epoxy, the flexural stress of pure epoxy (48.08 MPa) increased to 55.66 MPa (15.7%), 83.27 MPa (73.19%), 262.42 MPa (445.79%), 289.84 MPa (502.82%), and 371.05 MPa (671.73%), respectively.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e compares the flexural modulus of epoxy composite with braided jute/epoxy, flax/epoxy, and blended braided jute/flax composites. Braided Flax/epoxy (40FE) and blended braided composites exhibited higher flexural modulus than braided jute/epoxy composites. From Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e, the flexural modulus of epoxy composite (5786.85 MPa) was observed to increase to 12574.65 MPa (23.64%), 13565.86 MPa (56.28%), 17790.55 MPa (87.78%), 22547.65 MPa (98.72%), and 39768.77 MPa (215.24%) after jute (40JE), flax (40FE), and blended braided reinforcement (30JE10FE, 20JE20FE, and 10JE30FE) in epoxy composite, respectively. The braided and blended braided composite has greater flexural stress and modulus than pure epoxy composite. The inclusion of braided flax and jute fibers, as well as the blend of braided (flax and jute) fibres with the matrix, leads in enhanced interaction, as seen in SEM results [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR20\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e20\u003c/span\u003e]. Similar outcomes were published by Head et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR21\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e21\u003c/span\u003e] and Sainsbury-Carter et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR22\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e22\u003c/span\u003e], wherein braiding of fibres produced an increase in the bending strength and modulus of braided composite materials because each fibre strand in a braid has some degree of flexibility and stress dispersed effectively.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab3\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 3\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFlexural properties of braided and blended braided jute-flax based specimens\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDesignation of Samples\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFlexural stress (MPa)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eFlexural Modulus\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e(MPa)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePure Epoxy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e48.08\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e5786.85\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40JE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e55.66\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e12574.65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40FE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e83.27\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e13565.86\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30JE10FE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e262.42\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e17790.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20JE20FE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e289.84\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e22547.65\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10JE30FE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e371.05\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e39768.77\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec16\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.3. Impact Test\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eFigure \u003cspan refid=\"Fig5\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e5\u003c/span\u003e illustrates the impact energy of the following composites: pure epoxy, flax/epoxy (40FE), jute/epoxy (40JE), and flax/jute/epoxy blend braided (30JE10FE, 20JE20FE, and 10JE30FE). The same values are displayed in Table\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Tab4\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e4\u003c/span\u003e. After adding braided jute, flax, and blended braided fibres (jute/flax) to the epoxy matrix resulted in higher impact energy absorption. When compared to pure epoxy, flax/epoxy and jute/epoxy composites with 40 wt% reinforcement exhibited superior impact energy absorption. Higher impact energy absorption was observed in blend braided composite (10JE30FE) compared to flax/epoxy (40FE), jute/epoxy (40JE), and flax/jute/epoxy blend braided (30JE10FE, 20JE20FE) composites. The impact energy absorbed by pure epoxy 0.82J increased to 1.19 J (45.12%), 1.63 J (98.78%), 2.82 J (243.9%), 3.45 J (320.73%), and 4.64 J (465.85%) after reinforcement of jute (40JE), flax (40FE), and blend braided flax and jute (30JE10FE, 20JE20FE, 10JE30FE) in epoxy, respectively. Results from the impact test indicate that blend braided composites have a higher capacity to absorb impact energy than flax/epoxy (40FE) and jute/epoxy (40JE) composites.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis is proven by the fact that pulling out fibres requires more energy when using flax fibre. Because of its flexibility and capacity to distribute stress, braided fibre composites are more effective at absorbing shock loads than braided ones. Siakeng et al. [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e] also reported similar outcomes, showing that impact strength was enhanced by hybridizing coir and pineapple leaf fibres in comparison to single fibre reinforced composites. The low velocity impact damage tolerance is caused by the locking mechanism that prevents delamination between the intertwined strands of the braid pattern [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR24\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e24\u003c/span\u003e]. The impact energy of the composite material depends on the toughness of individual constituents in the form of fibres, fibre hybridization, and braiding, as well as their interfacial strength. As a result of impact loading, braiding enhances interfacial adhesion and prevents cracks from spreading. Because the coefficient of friction between two distinct fibres is higher than that between similar fibres, two braided layers of different fibres require higher energy to exfoliate during impact forces than layers of the identical fibres [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"gridtable\"\u003e\u003ctable float=\"Yes\" id=\"Tab4\" border=\"1\"\u003e \u003ccaption language=\"En\"\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionNumber\"\u003eTable 4\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"CaptionContent\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eImpact energy of braided and blended braided jute-flax based specimens\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/caption\u003e \u003ccolgroup cols=\"3\"\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"left\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c1\" colnum=\"1\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c2\" colnum=\"2\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv align=\"char\" char=\".\" class=\"colspec\" colname=\"c3\" colnum=\"3\"\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003cthead\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eDesignation of Samples\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eImpact Energy (J)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003cth align=\"left\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003eImpact Strength (KJ/m\u003csup\u003e2\u003c/sup\u003e)\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/th\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/thead\u003e \u003ctbody\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003ePure Epoxy\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e0.82\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e21.52\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40JE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.19\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e31.23\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e40FE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e1.63\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e42.78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e30JE10FE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e2.82\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e74.01\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e20JE20FE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e3.45\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e90.55\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003ctr\u003e \u003ctd align=\"left\" colname=\"c1\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e10JE30FE\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c2\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e4.64\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003ctd align=\"char\" char=\".\" colname=\"c3\"\u003e \u003cp\u003e121.78\u003c/p\u003e \u003c/td\u003e \u003c/tr\u003e \u003c/tbody\u003e \u003c/colgroup\u003e \u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec17\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.4. Water absorption test\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eCharacterization of water absorption was performed on six different composites, including samples that were pure epoxy, braided and blended braided fibres. The results obtained were shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e. Due to the hydrophobic characteristic of epoxy, pure epoxy composites absorb less water than other prepared composites. The mechanical characteristics and dimensional stability of polymer composites containing natural fibres can be adversely affected by water due to their low water resistance. Three methods might lead to water absorption in NFRC composites: the diffusion of water into voids through capillarity action; manufacturing flaws at the interfaces between the fibres and matrix; and the distribution of water content within the tiny gaps between the polymer and fibres.\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eA graph of water absorption (%) against immersed time is shown in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig6\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e6\u003c/span\u003e. Because flax and jute are lingo-cellulosic fibres, they are extremely hydrophilic. Due to its high cellulose concentration (70\u0026ndash;85%), flax fibre is more likely to absorb water. Jute fibre holds lesser percentage of water than flax fibre due to its lower cellulose content (45\u0026ndash;71.5%). Braided fibres have somewhat higher water absorption than braided composites because they have a complicated structure due to being interlaced in a crisscross pattern, resulting in interstitial spaces [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR25\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e25\u003c/span\u003e]. When the fibres are blend braided, the water absorption increases because the flax fibre content is higher than the jute fibre. The cause is that high cellulose flax fibre is combined with low cellulose jute fibre. Water absorption of a blend braided composite is impacted by its immersed time, tightness of the braid, fibre content, interstitial gaps, type of fibre, and fabrication quality. Both braided and blended braided composites show a dramatic increase in water absorption for a period of 120 hours, then level off after 240 hours. Natural fibres absorb water because their surfaces are in direct contact with water. The basis for this is that water absorption occurs through micro-gaps is formed at the interfaces during the hand-layup process [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR26\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e26\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec18\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.5. FTIR Spectroscopy\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe blend braided composite, which has highest mechanical properties, is subjected to FTIR spectroscopy. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig7\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e7\u003c/span\u003e depicts a graph of wave numbers (cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e) and percentage transmittance, which is used to identify functional groups and chemical bonds. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig10\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e shows that a peak at 3443.65 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e is ascribed to the O-H stretching of the chemical bond, and an alcohol functional group was found in the cellulose a compound [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. A tiny peak at 3061.22 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e and 3027.20 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e was assigned to the C-H stretching of the chemical bond, and an alkenes functional group was identified in cellulose and lignin [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR28\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e28\u003c/span\u003e]. A medium peak located at 2924.30 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e was attributed to the chemical bond's C-H stretching, and cellulose and hemicelluloses were found to include an alkanes functional group [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. A significant peak at 1728.39 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e in cellulose indicates an acetyl group and a C\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;O stretching bond [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR14\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e14\u003c/span\u003e]. Weak peaks at 1600.22 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e and 1580.70 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e indicate an aromatic ring C-C (in-ring) as a chemical bond and amine as a functional group in lignin [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. A peak at 1493.73 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e and 1453.47 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e corresponds to the stretching of methyl and methylene (-CH2, CH2) bond, as well as benzene group in lignin [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR29\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e29\u003c/span\u003e]. A weak peak at 1372.17 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e conforms the stretching of carbon hydrogen (C-H) bonds and alkanes groups in cellulose [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. A strong peak at 1282.86 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e relates the stretching of the O-C bond and carboxylic acid group in cellulose and hemicelluloses [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. A medium peak at 1135.88 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e and 1070.14 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e represents the stretching of the O-C\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;O bond and ester group in cellulose and hemicelluloses [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR27\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e27\u003c/span\u003e]. A medium peak at 743.56 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e and 700.94 cm\u003csup\u003e\u0026minus;\u0026thinsp;1\u003c/sup\u003e represents the bending of the aromatic C-H bond and benzene group in cellulose [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR23\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e23\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv id=\"Sec19\" class=\"Section2\"\u003e \u003ch2\u003e3.6. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cp\u003eThis characterization can be used to investigate the outside properties, type of failure, and morphology of braided flax/epoxy (40FE), jute/epoxy (40JE), and blended braided jute/flax fibre (10JE/30FE) tested composite specimens. The generated images were displayed in Fig.\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e\u0026ndash;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig10\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig8\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e8\u003c/span\u003e shows a SEM image of the composite made of braided jute fibre. Here, the matrix and jute fibres are visible, as are certain areas with voids and fibre pullouts. Fibre pullout is caused by inadequate bonding between the elements of the composite material. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig9\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e9\u003c/span\u003e displays the SEM picture of the composite composed of braided flax fibre. Flax fibre and matrix, fibre failure, and holes due to fibre pullouts are visible. SEM images of fractured composites reveal equally distributed fibres incorporated into epoxy resin. A fibre failure in composite specimen occurs as a result of effective interfacial bonding between the flax fiber and resin. The effective surface interaction was responsible for the superior mechanical characteristics. Figure\u0026nbsp;\u003cspan refid=\"Fig10\" class=\"InternalRef\"\u003e10\u003c/span\u003e showcases the SEM image of a blended braided composite made with flax/jute fibre and epoxy resin. In this image, flax fibre, jute fibre, and matrix, as well as their strong surface interactions are visible. This phenomenon contributes to the higher mechanical properties. There was an indication of fibre pullout in a few places due to insufficient bond between epoxy and reinforcements [\u003cspan citationid=\"CR30\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e30\u003c/span\u003e, \u003cspan citationid=\"CR31\" class=\"CitationRef\"\u003e31\u003c/span\u003e].\u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e"},{"header":"4. Conclusions","content":"\u003cp\u003eSix different composites were made using epoxy, braided flax (4FE), braided jute (40JE), and blended braided composites by altering the weight ratio of fibers (30JE/10FE, 20JE/20FE, and 10JE/30FE) reinforced into epoxy resin utilizing a hand lay-up procedure. Mechanical tests were performed on the aforementioned composites to determine their tensile, flexural, and impact properties. The results of the mechanical testing, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, and water absorption investigations lead to the following conclusions. Mechanical test findings show that the 10JE/30FE blended braided composite has higher mechanical properties than both braided and blended braided composites. The fact that flax fibre contains higher levels of cellulose content over jute fibre can be the reason for the improvement in mechanical properties. The interspersed arrangement of braided fibres helps to distribute the applied mechanical load more equally throughout the fibres. Because each fibre strand in a braid has some degree of flexibility, stress may be distributed and absorbed more effectively. According to FTIR data, the blended braided hybrid composite is confirmed to contain OH, C-H, C-C, O-C, C\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;O, O-C\u0026thinsp;=\u0026thinsp;O, CH\u003csub\u003e2\u003c/sub\u003e, and CH\u003csub\u003e3\u003c/sub\u003e chemical bonds. It additionally provides functional groups like alcohol, carboxylic acid, alkane, and benzene. The presence of hemicelluloses, lignin, and cellulose was confirmed by the FTIR spectra. The SEM analysis of the tested specimens exhibited jute and flax fibres, epoxy resin, holes, and fibre pull-outs owing by inadequate surface adhesion. Fibre breakage was found to be caused by strong interfacial adhesion between the matrix and the braided fibres. Braided Jute fibre holds lesser percentage of water than flax fibre due to its lower cellulose content (45\u0026ndash;71.5%) compared to flax fibre's (70\u0026ndash;85%), which increases the latter's tendency for water absorption. The ability of the composite to absorb water is diminishes when a higher cellulose content (flax) is blended with less cellulose fiber (jute) during the blended braiding process (30JE10FE). The percentage of water that a hybrid composite material absorbs depends on its type of fibre, composition, manufacturing quality, and duration of submersion.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"Declarations","content":"\u003ch2\u003eAuthor Contribution\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eBandi Madhusudhan Reddy - Conceptualization, Investigation, Writing - original draft.Vutukur Satish Kumar - Supervision, Writing- Review and Editing.Reddigari Meenakshi Reddy \u0026ndash; Resources, Methodology, Writing - original draft.Gudimetta Suresh Kumar \u0026ndash; Data curation, Validation and Writing- Review and Editing.Yerasi Venkata Mohan Reddy \u0026ndash; Investigation, Writing- Review and Editing. Koppula Madhava Reddy \u0026ndash; Methodology, Visualization, Writing- Review and Editing.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAcknowledgement\u003c/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe authors are thankful to the Management of G. Pulla Reddy Engineering College (Autonomous): Kurnool, for providing the facility to conduct this study as well as the mechanical testing facility. The authors extend their thanks to STIC Cochin, Kerala, for providing the testing facility for FTIR, XRD, and SEM characterization.\u003c/p\u003e"},{"header":"References","content":"\u003col\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eAngrizani C. C., Ornaghi H. L., Zattera A. J., Amico S. C.: Thermal and mechanical investigation of interlaminate glass/curaua hybrid polymer composites.\u0026nbsp;J. Nat. Fiber.\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003e14\u003c/strong\u003e, 271-277 (2017).\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eSheeba K. R. J., Priya R. K., Arunachalam K. P., Avudaiappan S., Maureira-Carsalade N., Roco-Videla \u0026Aacute;.:. Characterisation of Sodium Acetate Treatment on Acacia pennata Natural Fibres. Polymers, \u003cstrong\u003e15\u003c/strong\u003e, 1996 (2023).\u003c/li\u003e\n \u003cli\u003eXiao, H., Sultan, M. T. H., Shahar, F. S., Nayak, S. 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Technol. \u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003e26\u003c/strong\u003e, 8242-8253 (2023).\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e"}],"fulltextSource":"","fullText":"","funders":[],"hasAdminPriorityOnWorkflow":false,"hasManuscriptDocX":true,"hasOptedInToPreprint":true,"hasPassedJournalQc":"","hasAnyPriority":false,"hideJournal":true,"highlight":"","institution":"","isAcceptedByJournal":false,"isAuthorSuppliedPdf":false,"isDeskRejected":"","isHiddenFromSearch":false,"isInQc":false,"isInWorkflow":false,"isPdf":false,"isPdfUpToDate":true,"isWithdrawnOrRetracted":false,"journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true},"keywords":"Jute-Flax natural fibres, Epoxy resin, SEM, Mechanical Properties, Water absorption","lastPublishedDoi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6194563/v1","lastPublishedDoiUrl":"https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-6194563/v1","license":{"name":"CC BY 4.0","url":"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/"},"manuscriptAbstract":"\u003cp\u003eModern society requires materials that are strong, lightweight, and inexpensive, but they must also be biodegradable, eco-friendly, and non-toxic to humans. Natural fibres may meet the aforementioned requirements. In this study, six different samples were considered: one was pure epoxy, two were braided fibres (100% jute and 100% flax), and three were blended braided fibre combinations (75:25 jute/flax, 50:50 jute/flax, and 25:75 jute/flax), which were fabricated using hand lay-up technique. Mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact) of the fabricated composites were examined, and the results revealed that the 25:75 jute/flax fibre blend braided composites performed better than other composites. With the use of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), the OH, C-C, and C-H chemical groups were detected in the fabricated composites. The aforementioned composites were examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to confirm bonding, examine surface morphology, and to identify the kind of fibre failure. Water absorption was also examined to find out how stable the composite was under different environmental conditions. This work is novel since braided fibres have not received as much scientific attention as natural and hybrid fibres.\u003c/p\u003e","manuscriptTitle":"Effect of Braiding of Jute and Flax Fibres on Mechanical, Water Absorption and Morphological Properties of Epoxy Composite","msid":"","msnumber":"","nonDraftVersions":[{"code":1,"date":"2025-03-13 12:59:51","doi":"10.21203/rs.3.rs-6194563/v1","editorialEvents":[{"type":"communityComments","content":0}],"status":"published","journal":{"display":true,"email":"[email protected]","identity":"researchsquare","isNatureJournal":false,"hasQc":true,"allowDirectSubmit":true,"externalIdentity":"","sideBox":"","snPcode":"","submissionUrl":"/submission","title":"Research Square","twitterHandle":"researchsquare","acdcEnabled":true,"dfaEnabled":false,"editorialSystem":"","reportingPortfolio":"","inReviewEnabled":false,"inReviewRevisionsEnabled":true}}],"origin":"","ownerIdentity":"6768b817-9230-4b41-bb0d-a176f135c62e","owner":[],"postedDate":"March 13th, 2025","published":true,"recentEditorialEvents":[],"rejectedJournal":[],"revision":"","amendment":"","status":"posted","subjectAreas":[],"tags":[],"updatedAt":"2025-03-13T15:53:22+00:00","versionOfRecord":[],"versionCreatedAt":"2025-03-13 12:59:51","video":"","vorDoi":"","vorDoiUrl":"","workflowStages":[]},"version":"v1","identity":"rs-6194563","journalConfig":"researchsquare"},"__N_SSP":true},"page":"/article/[identity]/[[...version]]","query":{"redirect":"/article/rs-6194563","identity":"rs-6194563","version":["v1"]},"buildId":"8U1c8b4HqxoKbykW_rLl7","isFallback":false,"isExperimentalCompile":false,"dynamicIds":[84888],"gssp":true,"scriptLoader":[]}