Effect of air bubbling and ultrasonic processing on water absorption property of banana fibre-vinylester composites

Abstract

The effect of alkaline treatment in combination with air bubbling in banana fibre mat on the water absorption property of the fibre composite has been experimentally studied. The effect of sonication on the water absorption property of the composites is also studied. Hot-water immersion test is done on the samples. Water uptake was quantified for the composite disc under different processing conditions. The studies have revealed that the fibre surface modification rate is enhanced by the combination of air bubbling with the general process of alkaline treatment. Water absorption is highly reduced by the sonication process. This shows the importance of this method of fibre treatment and this shall encourage other researchers to develop an adequate system to expedite fabrication for better quality of woven banana fibre composites for various sectors such as household utility or automobile parts.