• Advances in materials Research
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• v.11 no.3
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• pp.191-209
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• 2022

Very slow degradation of synthetic based polymers has created a severe environmental issue that increased awareness towards research in polymers of biodegradable property. Soy protein isolate (SPI) is a natural biopolymer used as matrix in green composites but it has limitations of low mechanical properties and high water sensitivity. To enhance mechanical properties and reduce water sensitivity of Jute-SPI composites, SPI was modified with pine rosin which is also a natural cross-linking agent. 30% glycerol on the weight basis of a matrix was used as a plasticizer. The fibre volume fraction was kept constant at 0.2 whereas the pine rosin in SPI ranged from 5% to 30% of the matrix. The effects of pine rosin on mechanical, thermal, water sensitivity and surface morphology have been characterized using various techniques. The mechanical properties and water absorbency were found to be optimum for 15% pine rosin in Jute-SPI composite. Therefore, Jute-SPI composite without pine rosin and with 15% pine rosin were chosen for investigation through characterization by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-Ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM). The surface morphology of the composite was influenced by pine rosin which is shown in the SEM image. TGA measurement showed that the thermal properties improved due to the addition of pine rosin. Antimicrobial test showed antimicrobial property in the composite occurring 15% pine rosin. The research paper concludes that the modification of SPI resin with an optimum percentage of pine rosin enhanced mechanical, thermal as well as water-resistant properties of jute fibre reinforced composites.