Effects of alkaline treatment and manufacturing process on mechanical and absorption properties of Wild Abyssinia Banana fiber reinforced epoxy composite

Abstract

To enhance the properties of natural fiber composite, proper selection of an optimum alkaline concentration for fiber surface modifications and composite manufacturing techniques are the main criteria to be considered. This study examined how NaOH and manufacturing methodsaffect the mechanical and absorbency characteristics of a Wild Abyssinia Banana (WAB) epoxy composite. 2 %, 5 %, and 7 % (w/v) NaOH concentrations; hand-layup and hydraulic press manufacturing techniques have been considered. Petroleum, diesel, distilled, and artificial lake water (wastewater) were used for the absorption test. A 5 % NaOH treatment improves composite tensile, flexural, and impact strengths by 14.78 %, 8.59 %, and 29.63 %, respectively. Moreover, the 5 % NaOH treatment reduced the absorption rate of the WAB fiber composite. Hydraulic press manufactured untreated WAB fiber composite was observed to have 26.27 % and 13.45 % higher tensile and flexural strengths than hand layup. The treated WAB fiber-reinforced composite can be utilized in gas stations, home appliances, and finishing materials for construction applications.