ENHANCED GLASS-JUTE EPOXY HYBRID COMPOSITES REINFORCED WITH EGGSHELL NANOPARTICLES FOR SUSTAINABLE HIGH-PERFORMANCE ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS

This study presents a novel approach to reinforcing glass-jute hybrid epoxy composites with eggshell nanoparticles (ESNs), addressing the growing demand for sustainable, high-performance materials. Unlike conventional hybrid composites, integrating ESNs provides a bio-based, cost-effective reinforcement that enhances mechanical properties while promoting waste valorization. The composites were fabricated using the hand-layup technique with varying ESN concentrations (5 %, 10 %, and 15 %), and their mechanical, thermal, water absorption, and microstructural characteristics were systematically evaluated. The optimized composite (GJGJG + 15 % ESNs) exhibited superior performance, achieving a tensile strength of 197.77 MPa, a flexural strength of 452.72 MPa, an impact strength of 7.6 J, and an interlaminar shear strength of 16 N/mm2. These results represent a 75 % improvement in impact strength and a 45 % enhancement in inter-laminar shear strength compared to conventional hybrid composites. The synergy between the stacking sequence and the nanoparticle reinforcement was a key factor in optimizing stiffness, energy absorption, and interfacial bonding. Water-absorption tests confirmed the improved moisture resistance with increasing ESN content, highlighting the material’s potential for long-term durability in humid environments. SEM and TGA analyses confirmed a uniform ESN dispersion, reduced voids, and improved thermal stability. This research establishes ESN-reinforced composites as a scalable and eco-friendly alternative for automotive, aerospace, and structural applications.