Development of eco-friendly bio-composites using banana fibers for enhanced tensile and flexural properties

Abstract

The synthetic fiber composite materials have witnessed widespread adoption in high-performance applications due to their lightweight and high-strength properties. However, the non-renewable and non-biodegradable nature of synthetic fibers has raised environmental concerns. This has spurred research into natural fiber composites, often referred to as “bio-composites,” as sustainable alternatives to synthetic counterparts. Among these, bio-composites reinforced with natural fibers include banana, coir, jute, silk, sisal, and bamboo have gained significant attention as industrial materials. This research endeavor focuses on the development of banana fiber-reinforced composites using hand lay-up and VARTM methods techniques and explores their mechanical properties. Three distinct types of composites were fabricated, employing natural banana fibers and banana fabric as reinforcement materials, with epoxy resin as the matrix. Mechanical characterization encompassing tensile and flexural properties was conducted to assess the performance of the bio-composites. SEM with EDS analysis revealed distinct microstructural features and elemental compositions. The bio-composites manufactured via the VARTM method employing banana fabrics exhibited significant enhancements in mechanical properties. The bio-composites made with VARTM showed an impressive 160 % improvement inflexural strength and a 217 % increase in tensile strength when compared to the hand-layup method. The findings of this experimental study underscore the superior load-carrying capacity of bio-composites fabricated through the VARTM method and banana fabric reinforcement when compared to other combinations. This research underscores the potential of banana fibers as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers in composite materials, contributing to eco-friendly and environmentally responsible solutions in various high-performance industries