Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Natural Fibers for Biodegradable Nanocomposites

Abstract

Natural fiber-reinforced nanocomposites (NFRCs) are proved as the best alternative for synthetic composites in view of cost and environmental effects. NFRCs have been produced from agro-waste such as banana tree fiber (BFs), because of BF are strong, light-weight, have smaller elongation. To improve the quality of BF, multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are used as reinforcing filler, which are functionalized by an ecofriendly radio frequency oxygen plasma processing method. cellulose nano-crystals (CNC) is extracted from BFs by double hydrolysis process and a simple dip-drying technique has been used to produce NFRCs. Field emission scanning electron micrographs and transmission electron microscopy conform the well dispersion of MWCNTs in the BF matrix. Thermal stability and mechanical strength of the NFRCs are improved owing to the incorporation of MWCNTs. Functional groups in the BFs, CNC and NFRCs are investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The current density of the sample is increased 1000 times and conductivity increases up to 17 Sm−1, which increases with temperature. Therefore, these light-weight biodegradable NFRCs encourage its ability as cost effective industrial conductive composite as usable in electronic devices.