Studying the Effect of Fiber Architecture and Alkalization on Mechanical, Physical and Morphological Behavior of Banana Fiber Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite

Abstract

In developing countries, huge agricultural biomass with the intrinsic potential lingo-cellulosic fiber is removed as waste after harvesting. Effective utilization of those natural fibers is one of the ways to ensure a sustainable economy and minimize environmental pollution related to synthetic fiber. Currently, significant studies have been carried out on natural fiber-reinforced composite for substituting classical materials in various applications such as vehicle, aerospace, medical and agricultural sectors. In this investigation, the effect of fiber architecture and alkaline treatment on the mechanical, physical and morphological behavior of banana fiber reinforced polyester composite were carried out. Six composite samples, chemically treated/untreated short fiber composite, chemically treated/untreated woven fiber composite and chemically treated/untreated short fiber mid-layer sandwiched by woven fiber faces were prepared by a hand layup method with fixed fiber to matrix weight ratio 40:60. The prepared composite samples were tested for its mechanical, physical and morphological behaviors with the set of standard and condition. The maximum tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and hardness values 64.95MPa, 172.52MPa, 24.37KJ/m2 and 70.75HV respectively were perceived by chemically treated woven banana fiber polyester composite. Introduction of woven fiber in top and bottom faces improves mechanical and physical properties short fiber composite. Chemically treated woven banana fiber composite, possessed minimum void fraction and hold less amount of water at equilibrium state. The diffusion mechanism of water molecules into composite structures was analyzed that chemically treated and untreated woven banana fiber composite and treated short fiber mid layer sandwiched by woven fiber faces composite behave Fickan diffusion mechanism while the rest samples deviated from Fickan diffusion mechanism. Scanning electron micrographs of test specimens were analyzed to correlate the structure and properties. Based on obtained result chemical treated woven banana fiber polyester matrix composite showed improved mechanical properties, denser, and less sensitive to moisture compared with the rest samples.

In Developing Countries, Huge Agricultural Biomass With The Intrinsic Potential Lingo-Cellulosic Fiber Is Removed As Waste After Harvesting. Effective Utilization Of Those Natural Fibers Is One Of The Ways To Ensure A Sustainable Economy And Minimize Environmental Pollution Related To Synthetic Fiber. Currently, Significant Studies Have Been Carried Out On Natural Fiber-Reinforced Composite For Substituting Classical Materials In Various Applications Such As Vehicle, Aerospace, Medical And Agricultural Sectors. In This Investigation, The Effect Of Fiber Architecture And Alkaline Treatment On The Mechanical, Physical And Morphological Behavior Of Banana Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composite Were Carried Out. Six Composite Samples, Chemically Treated/Untreated Short Fiber Composite, Chemically Treated/Untreated Woven Fiber Composite And Chemically Treated/Untreated Short Fiber Mid-Layer Sandwiched By Woven Fiber Faces Were Prepared By A Hand Layup Method With Fixed Fiber To Matrix Weight Ratio 40:60. The Prepared Composite Samples Were Tested For Its Mechanical, Physical And Morphological Behaviors With The Set Of Standard And Condition. The Maximum Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength, Impact Strength And Hardness Values 64.95mpa, 172.52mpa, 24.37kj/M2 And 70.75hv Respectively Were Perceived By Chemically Treated Woven Banana Fiber Polyester Composite. Introduction Of Woven Fiber In Top And Bottom Faces Improves Mechanical And Physical Properties Short Fiber Composite. Chemically Treated Woven Banana Fiber Composite, Possessed Minimum Void Fraction And Hold Less Amount Of Water At Equilibrium State. The Diffusion Mechanism Of Water Molecules Into Composite Structures Was Analyzed That Chemically Treated And Untreated Woven Banana Fiber Composite And Treated Short Fiber Mid Layer Sandwiched By Woven Fiber Faces Composite Behave Fickan Diffusion Mechanism While The Rest Samples Deviated From Fickan Diffusion Mechanism. Scanning Electron Micrographs Of Test Specimens Were Analyzed To Correlate The Structure And Properties. Based On Obtained Result Chemical Treated Woven Banana Fiber Polyester Matrix Composite Showed Improved Mechanical Properties, Denser, And Less Sensitive To Moisture Compared With The Rest Samples.