Work

Mechanical performance optimization of hybrid epoxy composites reinforced with silane-treated jute fibers and Linz-Donawitz sludge using response surface methodology

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The use of industrial waste and natural fiber to produce hybrid ‘composite materials’ has been widely studied as a solution to lower the environmental impact while preserving material performance. In the current research, ‘hybrid epoxy composites’ reinforced with silane-treated jute fibers and ‘Linz–Donawitz sludge’ (LDS) were developed and optimized using Response Surface Methodology. The process variables selected under Central Composite Design were LDS content (5–15 wt.%), silane concentration (5–15%), and treatment time (20–60 min). The tensile and impact strengths were evaluated according to ‘ASTM standards’, and statistical models were developed to establish the relationship between ‘processing parameters’ and ‘mechanical properties’. The developed models showed excellent predictive capability with ‘R 2 values’ of 0.9963 and 0.9856 for tensile and impact strength, respectively. ‘Analysis of variance’ revealed that LDS content had the strongest influence on both responses, followed by silane concentration. The maximum ‘tensile strength’ of 118.2 MPa and ‘impact strength’ of 40.4 kJ/m 2 were obtained at 15 wt.% LDS content with approximately 10–11% silane concentration and treatment duration of around 40–60 min. Numerical optimization yielded a desirability value of 0.959, indicating a reliable processing window for superior mechanical performance. The findings demonstrate the potential of LDS waste and ‘silane-treated jute fibers’ as effective reinforcements for the development of hybrid epoxy composites suitable for lightweight structural applications. However, additional research is needed on ‘physical, thermal, and durability’ properties of the developed composites to assess their suitability for a particular engineering application.

Source: Journal of Materials Research and Technology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jmrt.2026.08.221