Viscoelastic behavior of jute fiber reinforced composite filled with ceramic particles after water aging

Abstract Due to the special multi‐layered structure of plant fiber, jute fiber reinforced composite is sensitive to water. Its mechanical properties will be significantly decreased after water aging. In this paper, alumina ceramic particles are added into jute fiber reinforced composite to improve its water aging resistance and viscoelastic properties. Effects of temperature, vibration frequency and loading time on the viscoelastic properties of the composite before and after water aging are measured. Reversible and irreversible performances degradation caused by water aging is investigated. The results show that ceramic particles can effectively improve the viscoelastic properties of the composite. The storage modulus and relaxation modulus of the composite increase with the particle content, but the strength decreases due to the stress concentration caused by the particles. Therefore, filler content between 10%–30% is more suitable. It is also noticed that its mechanical properties partially recover after redry. Plasticization of the matrix can be reversed after water is removed, but hydrolysis of the matrix and interface damage are irreversible. In addition, a practical Fractional Differential Kelvin Model is established to predict the viscoelastic behavior of jute fiber reinforced composite filled with alumina ceramic particles, and the fitting results agree well with test data.