Jute yarn as reinforcement for polypropylene based commingled eco-composites: Effect of fibre content and chemical modifications on accelerated ageing and tear properties

Bidirectional PP/jute yarn eco-composites were fabricated via environment friendly commingling technique and its long term durability/life time was monitored as an effect of accelerated solar ageing on its mechanical properties (tensile & flexural). Accelerated solar ageing promoted the thermal oxidation of PP thus resulting in deterioration of its properties, however; MAPP and KMnO₄ treated commingled composites showed much better stability towards thermal oxidation brought about by the solar concentrator, compared to untreated sample and neat polypropylene. This increased resistivity of treated composites (especially MAPP and KMnO₄) towards thermal oxidation brought about by the solar concentrator is due to the increased interfacial adhesion between the matrix and jute yarn owing to chemical modifications. The significance of effective stress transfer between the PP matrix and reinforcing jute yarns is evident from the increased tear resistance of PP/jute yarn commingled composites with increasing fibre content and also with different chemical treatments.