Investigation of Flexural Properties of Jute Fibre Reinforced Hybrid Composite Material for Axial Flow Fan Blades

Investigation of Flexural Properties of Jute Fibre Reinforced Hybrid Composite Material for Axial Flow Fan Blades
  IJETT-book-cover           
  
© 2025 by IJETT Journal
Volume-73 Issue-4
Year of Publication : 2025
Author : Venkata Sushma Chinta, Nagini Yarramsetty, Kiran Kumar Amireddy, Ashutosh Sahu, P. Kiran Kumar, K.N.V. Sreedevi
DOI : 10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V73I4P121

How to Cite?
Venkata Sushma Chinta, Nagini Yarramsetty, Kiran Kumar Amireddy, Ashutosh Sahu, P. Kiran Kumar, K.N.V. Sreedevi, "Investigation of Flexural Properties of Jute Fibre Reinforced Hybrid Composite Material for Axial Flow Fan Blades," International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology, vol. 73, no. 4, pp.241-248, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/22315381/IJETT-V73I4P121

Abstract
Axial Flow Fans (AFF) often supply the airflow needed for mass and heat transfer in industrial applications. Glass-fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites (GFRC) are the most common material used to make these fan blades. Composites are increasingly being made using glass fibers. However, non-biodegradable composite reinforcement poses serious risks to human health and the environment, especially at the end of its useful life. Recycling glass fiber is costly and not justified. However, because of their sustainability and practicality, researchers and academics highly value natural fibers like jute and fibers derived from vegetable plants. They are, hence, appropriate for polymer composites. To improve the biodegradability of GFRC beyond their service life, it is vital to determine the extent to which natural fibers may be included without significantly changing their mechanical properties. This study provides a thorough analysis of composite fan blades used in AFF. AFF combine glass fiber and partially woven jute (WJ) reinforcing material inside an epoxy matrix. Six hybrid composites were used in this study. Material A1 was made of glass fibre-reinforced epoxy. Materials A2 to A6 were prepared by replacing one layer of A1 with woven jute and changing its location in A1. All materials are tested for flexural modulus and flexure strength as per ASTM D-790. The conventional fan blade material (A1) exhibited a flexural modulus of 19.7 GPa and a corresponding flexural strength of 347.1 MPa in flexural tests. Exploring variations in the position of woven jute in composite (A2 to A6) revealed noteworthy findings. A5, featuring woven jute in the 8th position, demonstrated a remarkable flexural modulus of 19.5 GPa, representing 99.3% of A1, highlighting the significant influence of the jute layer's position. Flexural strength analysis emphasized the superiority of A5, exhibiting a strength of 345.2 MPa (99.4% of A1), marking a 25% increase compared to A2. Classical Lamination Theory (CLT) and ANSYS finite element software assessed flexural modulus and stress, respectively, showing commendable agreement with experimental values. This study recommends replacing GFRC composite with woven jute in the 8th layer (A5), maintaining comparable flexural properties while enhancing biodegradability. The findings contribute to advancing sustainable composite materials with potential applications in AFF industries.

Keywords
Axial flow fan blade, Glass fibre- Woven Jute Reinforced Epoxy, Flexural Strength, Flexure modulus, Layup sequence.

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