Natural fibre reinforced polymer composites are increasingly being explored as lightweight and sustainable alternatives for engineering applications. In the present study, a jute fibre reinforced epoxy composite was developed and fabricated into a six-opening electrical switch-panel prototype using the hand lay-up technique. The jute reinforcement was subjected to alkali treatment prior to fabrication, while epoxy resin and hardener were mixed in a 10:1 ratio. The fabricated composite was evaluated through water absorption, impact, and thermogravimetric tests to obtain a preliminary understanding of its physical, mechanical, and thermal behaviour. Three specimens were subjected to water immersion for 24 h, resulting in water absorption values ranging from 2.03% to 2.51%, with an average value of 2.23 ± 0.25%. Impact testing of three specimens produced energy values of 70, 68, and 70 J, corresponding to an average of 69.33 ± 1.15 J. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated a gradual initial mass reduction followed by a more pronounced degradation region at elevated temperatures. The study demonstrates the feasibility of fabricating a jute–epoxy composite into the required switch-panel geometry and provides preliminary information regarding its moisture absorption, impact response, and thermal behaviour. Further investigations involving electrical insulation properties, flammability, long-term moisture exposure, and comparison with conventional switch-panel materials are recommended before considering the composite for practical electrical applications.

Keywords — Jute fibre, epoxy composite, natural fibre composite, switch panel, hand lay-up, water absorption, impact behaviour, thermogravimetric analysis.