Evaluating the Effect of Carbon Fillers on the Mechanical Properties of Jute and Epoxy Composite Wind Turbine Blades

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Issue : 01 | Page : 191 203
    By

    Cheruku Srinivas Rao,

  • B. Nageswara Rao,

  • Subhash Kamal,

  • Abrha Gebregergs Tesfay,

  1. Research Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KL University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
  2. Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, KL University, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India
  3. Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, KBN University, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India
  4. Associate Professor, School of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Ethiopian Institute of Technology, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia

Abstract

Natural fibers are a sustainable substitute for synthetic materials because of many benefits, which include light weight, biodegradability, renewability, and affordability. An approach to sustainable blade design that shows promise is its use into wind turbine blades. The study focuses on jute/epoxy composite’s tensile strength, impact strength, water absorption, void fraction and degradation with carbon fillers and apply in making small wind turbine blades. To fabricate the composites, two jute fiber proportions (30 wt.% and 40 wt.%) and five filler proportions (2 wt.%, 4 wt.%, 6 wt.%, 8 wt.% and 10 wt.%) were used. Experiments were carried out in accordance with ASTM guidelines. Carbon fillers improved tensile strength, impact strength, water absorption, void fraction and degradation. For the dry 30/70 composites, carbon fillers demonstrated a maximum increase of 20.1% in tensile and 53.58 % in impact strength while for the dry 40/60 composites, the increment was 17.75% in tensile and 43.14 % in impact strength. Additionally, the 30/70 composite’s water absorption was decreased by 61% and by 60% for 40/60 composites. The percentage of void fraction improved by 14.21% for 30/70 composites and by 25% for 40/60 composites when carbon fillers were added. The laminates without fillers had the highest percentage of deterioration whereas the composites with carbon fillers the 40/60 composites showed the greatest percentage of deterioration in tensile and impact strengths.

Keywords: Carbon filler, degradation, impact strength, jute fiber, tensile strength, void fraction, water absorption.

[This article belongs to Journal of Polymer & Composites ]

How to cite this article:
Cheruku Srinivas Rao, B. Nageswara Rao, Subhash Kamal, Abrha Gebregergs Tesfay. Evaluating the Effect of Carbon Fillers on the Mechanical Properties of Jute and Epoxy Composite Wind Turbine Blades. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):191-203.
How to cite this URL:
Cheruku Srinivas Rao, B. Nageswara Rao, Subhash Kamal, Abrha Gebregergs Tesfay. Evaluating the Effect of Carbon Fillers on the Mechanical Properties of Jute and Epoxy Composite Wind Turbine Blades. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):191-203. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=236473


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Regular Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Issue 01
Received 21/11/2025
Accepted 22/12/2025
Published 09/01/2026
Publication Time 49 Days
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