The objective of this thesis work is to increase the functionality of optical fibers for possible applications in life-sciences. Optical fibers are a promising technology for use in biology and medicine. They are low-costwaveguides, flexible and have a small cross-section. They can guide high-power light with low loss in a micrometer core-size. These features make fibers attractive for minimally-invasive,in-vivostudies. The backwards guidance of the optical signal allows for real-time monitoring of the distance to the scattering targets and to study the environment through Raman scattering and fluorescence excitation. The longitudinal holes introduced in the fibers can be used,for instance,for delivery of medicine to a specific regionof a body. They could even be used for the extractionof species considered interesting for further analysis, for example, studyingcells that may be cancer-related. This thesis deals with four main topics. First, a demonstration is presented of the combination of high-power light guidance for ablation, low-power light reflectometry for positioning, and for liquid retrieval in a single fiber. It was found that in order to exploit the microfluidic possibilities available in optical fibers with holes, one needs to be able to combine fluids and light in a fiber without hindering the low-loss light guidance and the fluid flow. Secondly, one should also be able to couple light into the liquids and backout again. This is the subject of another paper in the present thesis. It was also observed that laser excitation through a fiber for the collection of a low-intensity fluorescence signal was often affected by the luminescence noise createdby the primary-coating of the fiber. This problem makes it difficult to measure low light-levels, for example, from single-cells. Athirdpaper in this thesis then describes a novel approach to reduce the luminescence from the polymer coating of the fiber, with the use of a nanometer-thick carbon layer on the cladding surface. Finally, exploiting some of the results described earlier, an optical fiber with longitudinal holes is used for the excitation, identification and for the collection of particles considered being of interest. The excitation light is guided in the fiber, the identification is performed by choosing the fluorescent particles with the appropriate wavelength, and, when a particle of interest is sufficiently near the fiber-tip, the suction system is activated for collection of the particle with good specificity. It is believed that the work described in this thesis could open the doors for applications in life-sciences and the future use of optical fibers for in-vivo studies. / <p>QC 20140516</p>

The focus of this thesis is on the development of sensing devices based on optical fiber sensors, specifically optical Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG), using laser microfabrication methods. FBG is a type of optical fibers whose spectral response is affected by applied strain and temperature. As a result, it can be calibrated for the measurement of physical parameters manifesting themselves in the changes of strain or temperature. The unique features of optical fiber sensors such as FBGs have encouraged the widespread use of the sensor and the development of optical fiber-based sensing devices for structural measurements, failure diagnostics, thermal measurements, pressure monitoring, etc. These features include light weight, small size, long-term durability, robustness to electromagnetic disturbances, and resistance to corrosion. Despite the encouraging features, there are some limitations and challenges associated with FBGs and their applications. One of the challenges associated with FBGs is the coupling of the effects of strain and temperature in the optical response of the sensors which affects the reliability and accuracy of the measurements. Another limitation of FBGs is insensitivity to the index of refraction of their surrounding medium. In liquids, the index of refraction is a function of concentration. Making FBGs sensitive to the index of refraction and keeping their thermal sensitivity intact enable optical sensors with the capability of the simultaneous measurement of concentration and temperature in liquids. Considering the unique features of FBGs, embedding of the sensors in metal parts for in-situ load monitoring is a cutting-edge research topic. Several industries such as machining tools, aerospace, and automotive industries can benefit from this technology. The metal embedding process is a challenging task, as the thermal decay of UV-written gratings can starts at a temperature of ~200 oC and accelerates at higher temperatures. As a result, the embedding process needs to be performed at low temperatures. The objective of the current thesis is to move forward the existing research front in the area of optical fiber sensors by finding effective solutions to the aforementioned limitations. The approaches consist of modeling, design, and fabrication of new FBG-based sensing devices. State-of-the-art laser microfabrication methods are proposed and implemented for the fabrication of the devices. Two approaches are adopted for the development of the FBG-based sensing devices: the additive method and the subtractive method. In both methods, laser direct microfabrication techniques are utilized. The additive method deals with the deposition of on-fiber metal thin films, and the subtractive method is based on the selective removal of materials from the periphery of optical fibers. To design the sensing devices and analyze the performance of the sensors, an opto-mechanical model of FBGs for thermal and structural monitoring is developed. The model is derived from the photo-elastic and thermo-optic properties of optical fibers. The developed model can be applied to predict the optical responses of a FBG exposed to structural loads and temperature variations with uniform and non-uniform distributions. The model is also extended to obtain optical responses of superstructure FBGs in which a secondary periodicity is induced in the index of refraction along the optical fiber. To address the temperature-strain coupling in FBGs, Superstructure FBGs (SFBG) with on-fiber metal thin films are designed and fabricated. It is shown that SFBGs have the capability of measuring strain and temperature simultaneously. The design of the sensor with on-fiber thin films is carried out by using the developed opto-mechanical model of FBGs. The performance of the sensor in concurrent measurement of strain and temperature is investigated by using a customized test rig. A laser-based Direct Write (DW) method, called Laser-Assisted Maskless Microdeposition (LAMM), is implemented to selectively deposit silver thin films on optical fibers and fabricate the superstructure FBGs. To attain thin films with premium quality, a characterization scheme is designed to study the geometrical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of the thin films in terms of the LAMM process parameters. A FBG, capable of measuring concentration and temperature of liquids is developed, and its performance is tested. Femtosecond laser micromachining is successfully implemented as a subtractive method for the sensor fabrication. For this purpose, periodic micro-grooves are inscribed in the cladding of regular FBGs so as to increase their sensitivity to the concentration of their surrounding liquid while keeping their thermal sensitivity intact. This type of sensors has the potential for applications in biomedical research, in which the in-situ measurement of the properties of biological analytes is required. Another accomplishment of this thesis is the development of FBG sensors embedded in metal parts for structural health monitoring using low temperature embedding processes. In this regard, the opto-mechanical model is extended to predict the optical response of the embedded FBGs. The embedding process involves low temperature casting, on-fiber thin film deposition, and electroplating methods. The performance of the embedded sensors is evaluated in structural loading and thermal cycling.

The focus of this thesis is on the development of sensing devices based on optical fiber sensors, specifically optical Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG), using laser microfabrication methods. FBG is a type of optical fibers whose spectral response is affected by applied strain and temperature. As a result, it can be calibrated for the measurement of physical parameters manifesting themselves in the changes of strain or temperature. The unique features of optical fiber sensors such as FBGs have encouraged the widespread use of the sensor and the development of optical fiber-based sensing devices for structural measurements, failure diagnostics, thermal measurements, pressure monitoring, etc. These features include light weight, small size, long-term durability, robustness to electromagnetic disturbances, and resistance to corrosion. Despite the encouraging features, there are some limitations and challenges associated with FBGs and their applications. One of the challenges associated with FBGs is the coupling of the effects of strain and temperature in the optical response of the sensors which affects the reliability and accuracy of the measurements. Another limitation of FBGs is insensitivity to the index of refraction of their surrounding medium. In liquids, the index of refraction is a function of concentration. Making FBGs sensitive to the index of refraction and keeping their thermal sensitivity intact enable optical sensors with the capability of the simultaneous measurement of concentration and temperature in liquids. Considering the unique features of FBGs, embedding of the sensors in metal parts for in-situ load monitoring is a cutting-edge research topic. Several industries such as machining tools, aerospace, and automotive industries can benefit from this technology. The metal embedding process is a challenging task, as the thermal decay of UV-written gratings can starts at a temperature of ~200 oC and accelerates at higher temperatures. As a result, the embedding process needs to be performed at low temperatures. The objective of the current thesis is to move forward the existing research front in the area of optical fiber sensors by finding effective solutions to the aforementioned limitations. The approaches consist of modeling, design, and fabrication of new FBG-based sensing devices. State-of-the-art laser microfabrication methods are proposed and implemented for the fabrication of the devices. Two approaches are adopted for the development of the FBG-based sensing devices: the additive method and the subtractive method. In both methods, laser direct microfabrication techniques are utilized. The additive method deals with the deposition of on-fiber metal thin films, and the subtractive method is based on the selective removal of materials from the periphery of optical fibers. To design the sensing devices and analyze the performance of the sensors, an opto-mechanical model of FBGs for thermal and structural monitoring is developed. The model is derived from the photo-elastic and thermo-optic properties of optical fibers. The developed model can be applied to predict the optical responses of a FBG exposed to structural loads and temperature variations with uniform and non-uniform distributions. The model is also extended to obtain optical responses of superstructure FBGs in which a secondary periodicity is induced in the index of refraction along the optical fiber. To address the temperature-strain coupling in FBGs, Superstructure FBGs (SFBG) with on-fiber metal thin films are designed and fabricated. It is shown that SFBGs have the capability of measuring strain and temperature simultaneously. The design of the sensor with on-fiber thin films is carried out by using the developed opto-mechanical model of FBGs. The performance of the sensor in concurrent measurement of strain and temperature is investigated by using a customized test rig. A laser-based Direct Write (DW) method, called Laser-Assisted Maskless Microdeposition (LAMM), is implemented to selectively deposit silver thin films on optical fibers and fabricate the superstructure FBGs. To attain thin films with premium quality, a characterization scheme is designed to study the geometrical, mechanical, and microstructural properties of the thin films in terms of the LAMM process parameters. A FBG, capable of measuring concentration and temperature of liquids is developed, and its performance is tested. Femtosecond laser micromachining is successfully implemented as a subtractive method for the sensor fabrication. For this purpose, periodic micro-grooves are inscribed in the cladding of regular FBGs so as to increase their sensitivity to the concentration of their surrounding liquid while keeping their thermal sensitivity intact. This type of sensors has the potential for applications in biomedical research, in which the in-situ measurement of the properties of biological analytes is required. Another accomplishment of this thesis is the development of FBG sensors embedded in metal parts for structural health monitoring using low temperature embedding processes. In this regard, the opto-mechanical model is extended to predict the optical response of the embedded FBGs. The embedding process involves low temperature casting, on-fiber thin film deposition, and electroplating methods. The performance of the embedded sensors is evaluated in structural loading and thermal cycling.

The utilization of fiber-based packages has started to take more place at the packaging sector but is still restricted by a lack of transparency. Today this challenge is tried to be solved by paying more attention on the characteristics of nanofibers and their possibilities. The usage of nanofibers is, however, facing issues such as long dewatering times, demand to modify pulp fibers and changes in production line machines. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to bring up new insights how to enhance the translucence in fiber-based packaging materials by an impregnation treatment without fiber modification, long dewatering time or toxic impregnation compounds. Four compounds sucrose octaacetate (SOA), sucrose acetate isobutyrate (SAIB), α-D-glucose pentaacetate (GPA) and polyvinylalcohol (PVA) were impregnated into a yellowish uncalendared base paper without surface sizing. The hypothesis was that it is possible to achieve significantly higher translucence of a glassine paper (&gt;&gt;50 %) by impregnation of a compound with a similar refractive index to cellulose and calendering. This study confirmed the hypothesis when calendered 23 % blade coated SAIB samples resulted in translucence over 64 %. At the same time, it was noticed that increase in density did not explain the increased translucence, but more important requirements were the properties of the impregnated compound such as melting point at room temperature, viscosity, amorphous structure and additives of the paper. It was also found that SAIB did not cause negative impacts on tensile strength or contact angle measurements. The results of this study offered fundamental information for the possible future steps towards transparent paper without pulp fiber modifications. / Användningen av fiberbaserade förpackningar ökar inom förpackningssektorn men är fortfarande begränsad av bristen på materialgenomskinlighet. Idag försöker man lösa denna utmaning genom att ägna mer uppmärksamhet åt nanofibrernas egenskaper och deras möjligheter. Användningen av nanofibrer står dock inför problem som långa avvattningstider, behov av att modifiera massafibrerna och förändringar i fiberlinjens utrustning. Därför är syftet med denna studie att ta fram nya insikter om hur man kan förbättra genomskinligheten i fiberbaserade förpackningsmaterial genom en impregneringsbehandling utan fibermodifieringar, långa avvattningstider eller giftiga impregneringskemikalier. Fyra föreningar; sackarosoktaacetat (SOA), sackarosacetatisobutyrat (SAIB), -D-glukospentaacetat (GPA) och polyvinyl alkohol (PVA) impregnerades i ett okalandrerat baspapper utan ytlimning. Hypotesen var att det är möjligt att uppnå signifikant högre genomskinlighet av ett glassinpapper (&gt;&gt;50%) genom impregnering av en förening med liknande brytningsindex som cellulosa följt av kalandrering. Denna studie bekräftade denna hypotes när kalandrerade 23 % bladbelagda SAIB-prover resulterade i genomskinlighet över 64 %. Samtidigt noterades att ökningen i densitet inte förklarade den ökade genomskinligheten utan viktigare krav var egenskaperna hos den impregnerade föreningen såsom smältpunkt vid rumstemperatur, viskositet, amorf struktur och tillsatser av papperet. Det visades också att SAIB inte orsakade negativ påverkan på draghållfasthet eller kontaktvinkelmätningar. Resultaten av denna studie visade grundläggande information för möjliga framtida steg mot transparent papper utan massafibermodifieringar.

El trabajo de investigación nace de un análisis sobre la problemática ambiental y social que afecta la vida de los seres vivos y de las comunidades peruanas. En ese sentido, uno de los principales problemas ambientales está relacionado con los residuos contaminantes que se necesitan para producir carteras de cuero y sintéticos. El uso indiscriminado de este tipo de materiales en la industria de la moda genera inestabilidad en el ecosistema. Frente a esta problemática, se propone un modelo de negocio relacionado a la comercialización de carteras de fibra vegetal por redes sociales para un nicho ecológico de mujeres que se preocupan por tener accesorios eco amigables en Lima Metropolitana. La elaboración de las carteras de fibra vegetal será de responsabilidad de la Asociación de Tejedoras Ñari Walac Arte, las cuales, son representadas por un grupo de tejedoras de la provincia de Piura, Catacaos. Punto fundamental de nuestro modelo de negocio es la exposición del talento de las tejedoras del norte del Perú. El proyecto contempla la evaluación financiera para los próximos 3 años, la cual inicia a mediados del 2020. Para el inicio de operaciones se necesita una inversión de S/44,193, y se espera una rentabilidad de S/57,421 a finales del tercer año en el Flujo de Caja Económico y una rentabilidad de S/59,716 en el Flujo de Caja Financiero. La tasa interna de retorno representa el 26.4% recuperándose la inversión en 2.5 años considerando un crecimiento económico moderado debido a la pandemia por el COVID-19. La estructura financiera está conformada por 65% de capital propio y 35% financiado a través de una Fintech. El proyecto presenta una perspectiva financiera positiva para los inversionistas, así como permite el desarrollo de las comunidades y promueve el consumo responsable de productos ecológicos. / The research work stems from an analysis of the environmental and social problems that affect the lives of living beings and of Peruvian communities. In this sense, one of the main environmental problems is related to the polluting residues that are needed to produce leather and synthetic wallets. The indiscriminate use of this type of material in the fashion industry generates instability in the ecosystem. Faced with this problem, a business model related to the commercialization of vegetable fiber handbag through social networks is proposed for an ecological niche of women who worry about having ecofriendly accessories in Metropolitan Lima. The production of vegetable fiber handbags will be the responsibility of the Ñari Walac Arte Weavers Association, which are represented by a group of weavers from the Piura province, Catacaos. Fundamental point of our business model is the exhibition of the talent of weavers in northern Peru. The project contemplates the financial evaluation for the next 3 years, which begins in mid-2020. An investment of S / 44,193 is required for the start of operations, and a profitability of S / 57,421 is expected at the end of the third year in Economic Cash Flow and a profitability of S / 59,716 in Financial Cash Flow. The internal rate of return represents 26.4%, recovering the investment in 2.5 years considering a moderate economic growth due to the pandemic by COVID-19. The financial structure is made up of 65% of its own capital and 35% financed through a Fintech. The project presents a positive financial perspective for investors, as well as allows the development of communities and promotes the responsible consumption of organic products. / Trabajo de investigación

Karton ist ein aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen hergestelltes Halbzeug, biologisch abbaubar und mit sehr guter Wiederverwertbarkeit. Damit stellt Karton eine zukunftsträchtige Grundlage für die Herstellung von Verpackungen für die Lebensmittel- und Konsumgüterproduktion dar. Schon heute werden in vielen Verpackungslösungen Kunststoffe durch naturfaserbasierte Halbzeuge ersetzt, um von den genannten Vorteilen zu profitieren. Um die Verbreitung dieses Naturstoffes weiter zu unterstützen, werden intelligente und effektive Herstellungsverfahren benötigt, die eine Massenfertigung von Packmitteln in hoher Qualität ermöglichen. [... aus der Einleitung]

Textile structures made of biocompatible, osteoconductive and resorbable chitosan-filaments provide excellent preconditions as scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering applications. The novel Net Shape Nonwoven (NSN) technique that enables short fibers to be processed into three-dimensional net-shaped nonwoven structures with adjustable pore size distributions is described. NSN scaffolds made of pure chitosan fibers were fabricated. NSN hybrid scaffolds for improved initial cell adhesion were realized by combining the NSN technique with electrospinning and dip-coating with collagen, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and liquid displacement porosimetry revealed an interconnecting open porous scaffold structure. The novel chitosan-hybrid scaffolds provide proper conditions for adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of the seeded human bone marrow stromal cells, proving that they are suitable for usage in hard-tissue regeneration.

Karton ist ein aus nachwachsenden Rohstoffen hergestelltes Halbzeug, biologisch abbaubar und mit sehr guter Wiederverwertbarkeit. Damit stellt Karton eine zukunftsträchtige Grundlage für die Herstellung von Verpackungen für die Lebensmittel- und Konsumgüterproduktion dar. Schon heute werden in vielen Verpackungslösungen Kunststoffe durch naturfaserbasierte Halbzeuge ersetzt, um von den genannten Vorteilen zu profitieren. Um die Verbreitung dieses Naturstoffes weiter zu unterstützen, werden intelligente und effektive Herstellungsverfahren benötigt, die eine Massenfertigung von Packmitteln in hoher Qualität ermöglichen. [... aus der Einleitung]

Fiber-based packaging has emerged as an alternative to plastic packaging, driven by concerns regarding environmental impact and excessive usage of plastic. In response to market trends favouring circular packaging solutions, Stora Enso is preparing to introduce Papira, an innovative fiber-based cushioning packaging material, in Europe. However, assessing the practical acceptability of new materials within existing recycling systems is crucial alongside laboratory tests that analyse recyclability. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine waste paper recycling practices implemented in Europe and identify factors that should be considered when introducing a new product into the European market to provide insights that will help evaluate the positioning of Papira and provide recommendations accordingly. To accomplish this aim, after creating a conceptual framework, a combination of interviews and desk research, including analysis of academic and grey literature sources, was employed to gather valuable insights and develop a comprehensive understanding. The scope of the study focuses on paper and board waste generated by households including eight countries: Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Luxembourg, Poland, Sweden, and the Netherlands. One of the key findings of this study is the variation observed in the practices employed within the waste paper recycling system. The implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility system highlights the prominence of both single and multiple Producer Responsibility Organizations, while the household separate collection system involves the collection of waste through different fractions. Consequently, the fractions collected and the designated mills for separated materials play a crucial role in the mechanical sorting stage, alongside the divergence in manufacturing methods employed by mills during the material recycling phase. This underscores critical considerations that arise during the introduction of new fiber-based products. Notably, the composition and fiber content of a product significantly influence its registration within the system, thereby impacting pricing. Additionally, effective labelling is imperative to provide clear guidance to consumers regarding proper disposal methods. Moreover, the suitability of products for mechanical sorting is contingent upon ensuring that sorting technologies align with the waste composition. Lastly, the study identifies four key aspects that hold significance for recycling processes: printing inks, additives, pulping time, and fiber length. In conclusion, Papira, with its high fiber content and biobased additives, has shown promising environmental qualities. However, at the same time, it requires further recognition by the recycling system and consumers, appropriate classification in accordance with the standards, and testing by sorting facilities and recycling mills to meet industry standards and optimise its integration into the recycling system. This study highlights the importance of encompassing the monitoring of actions under the PPWR proposal, the role of consumer communication, and the imperative of maintaining consistent communication among all stakeholders. / Fiberbaserad förpackning har framträtt som ett alternativ till plastförpackning, drivet av oro överplastens miljöpåverkan och överdriven användning. Som svar på marknadstrender som främjarcirkulära förpackningslösningar förbereder Stora Enso att införa Papira, ett innovativt fiberbaseratdämpningsmaterial för förpackningar, i Europa. Att bedöma den praktiska acceptansen av nya materialinom befintliga återvinningssystem är dock avgörande, tillsammans med laboratorietester somanalyserar återvinningsbarhet. Syftet med denna studie är därför att undersöka återvinningspraxis förpappersåtervinning som tillämpas i Europa och identifiera faktorer som bör beaktas vid introduktionenav en ny produkt på den europeiska marknaden för att ge insikter som hjälper till att utvärderapositioneringen av Papira och ge rekommendationer därefter. För att uppnå detta syfte användes enkombination av intervjuer och skrivbordsforskning, inklusive analys av akademiska och grålitteraturkällor, för att samla värdefull information och utveckla en omfattande förståelse. Studiensomfattning fokuserar på pappers- och kartongavfall som genereras av hushåll i åtta länder: Belgien,Finland, Frankrike, Tyskland, Luxemburg, Polen, Sverige och Nederländerna. En av huvudresultaten av denna studie är den variation som observeras i de metoder som används inomåtervinningssystemet för pappersavfall. Införandet av det utökade producentansvarssystemet belyserbåde enskilda och flera organisationer med producentansvar, medan det separata insamlingssystemetför hushåll innebär insamling av avfall genom olika fraktioner. Följaktligen spelar de insamladefraktionerna och de avsedda fabrikerna för separerade material en avgörande roll i det mekaniskasorteringsskedet, tillsammans med skillnader i tillverkningsmetoder som används av fabrikerna undermaterialets återvinningsfas. Detta betonar viktiga överväganden som uppstår vid introduktionen av nyafiberbaserade produkter. Särskilt sammansättningen och fiberinnehållet i en produkt påverkar avsevärtdess registrering inom systemet, vilket i sin tur påverkar prissättningen. Dessutom är effektiv märkningav avgörande betydelse för att ge tydliga anvisningar till konsumenter om rätt hantering av produkten.Dessutom är lämpligheten hos produkter för mekanisk sortering beroende av att sorteringsteknikernaöverensstämmer med avfallsammansättningen. Slutligen identifierar studien fyra nyckelaspekter somär betydelsefulla för återvinningsprocesser: tryckbläck, tillsatser, pulpingstid och fiberlängd. Avslutningsvis har Papira, med sitt höga fiberinnehåll och biobaserade tillsatser, visat lovandemiljöegenskaper. Samtidigt kräver det ytterligare erkännande av återvinningssystemet ochkonsumenter, lämplig klassificering i enlighet med standarder och tester genom sorteringsanläggningaroch återvinningsverk för att uppfylla branschstandarder och optimera dess integration iåtervinningssystemet. Denna studie belyser vikten av att omfatta övervakningen av åtgärder enligtPPWR-förslaget, rollen för konsumentkommunikation och nödvändigheten av att upprätthålla enkonsekvent kommunikation bland alla intressenter.

Natural fiber-reinforced composites are now finding extensive uses in various fields from household articles to automobiles. These composites can score high compared to common synthetic fiber-based composites, notably glass fiber-reinforced composites, in areas such as occupational safety and health, and impact on environment. The current research work is motivated by the need for exploring jute fibers as replacement for glass fibers for various engineering design applications including more demanding impact protection applications as in automotive body structures. In the current work, detailed mechanical characterization of jute-polyester (JP) composite laminates till failure has been carried out for tensile, compressive and flexural loads by varying volume fraction of jute fibers. The effect of fiber volume fraction on mechanical properties is shown. Because of the potency of closed thin-walled components as structural energy-absorbers, a comprehensive experimental study has been performed, for the first time, comparing the behaviors of various geometric sections of JP and glass-polyester (GP) composite tubes under axial quasi-static and low velocity impact loading. Additionally, for jute-reinforced plastic panels to be feasible solutions for applications such as automotive interior trim panels, laminates made of such materials should have adequate perforation resistance. Thus, a detailed comparative study has been carried out for assessing the performance of JP laminates vis-a-vis GP plates under low velocity impact perforation conditions. As high-end product design is heavily driven by CAE (Computer-Aided Engineering), the current research work has also focused on the challenging task of developing reliable modeling procedures for explicit finite element analysis using LS-DYNA for predicting load-displacement responses and failures of JP composites under quasi-static and impact loading conditions. In order to extend the applications of JP composites to structurally demanding applications, hybrid laminates made of jute-steel composites and jute with nanoclay-reinforced polyester have been investigated and the considerable enhancement of mechanical properties due to hybridization is shown. Furthermore, a comprehensive study has been conducted on the behavior of JP laminates for varying degrees of moisture content until saturation, and the efficacy of hybrid laminates in this context has been shown.