Preparation and performance evaluation of jute and glass composites of epoxy resin of (2E,6E)-2,6-bis (4-hydroxy benzylidene)-4-methylcyclohexanone

Jute and glass composites were prepared by compressing molding technique at 150C for 3h under 20 MPa pressure. J-EMBHBC-DDS, J-EMBHBC-THPA, G-EMBHBC-DDS and G-EMBHBC-THPA showed 15, 15.1, 58.3 and 18.7 MPa tensile strength, respectively. J-EMBHBC-DDS and J-EMBHBC-THPA showed 22.9 and 19.4 MPa flexural strength, respectively. J-EMBHBC-DDM and G-EMBHBC-DDM showed 1.6×109 and 1.2×1012 ohm cm volume resistivity, respectively. J-EMBHBC-DDM and G-EMBHBC-DDM showed 2.8 and 11.2 kVmm-1, respectively. Water uptake in the composites was carried out in pure water and 10% each of aqueous HCl, H2SO4, HNO3, NaOH, KOH and NaCl solutions at 35 C as well as in boiling water. Composites showed high water uptake tendency and longer equilibrium time in different environments. High water uptake in the composites is due to presence of hydroxyl groups in celluloses and resins and also due to formation of micro cracks. Nature of the electrolytes also played an important role on water uptake behavior and diffusivity in the composites. Drastic reduction in equilibrium water uptake time was observed in boiling water.