Evaluation of some Properties of Polyester Based Hybrid Composites Produced From Luffa-Bananna Fibres

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This study presents the evaluation of the mechanical, physical and dynamic mechanical properties of luffa-banana fibre reinforced polyester hybrid composites. The luffa fibre and banana fibres were extracted from luffa plant and banana stem respectively by manual stripping into strands. The luffa and banana fibres were then blended in the ratio of 50:50 for the production of the hybrid composites using hand lay-up method. Polyester-resin was used as binder and the percentages of luffa-banana fibres used were 3, 5, 6, and 9 %. The tensile strength, impact strength, flexural strength, density, water absorption, and the dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) (storage modulus, loss modulus damping factor) of the produced luffa-banana hybrid composites were evaluated. The results of the density and water absorption obtained varied from 0.84-1.23 g/cm3 and 0 - 0.35 % respectively. The tensile and impact strengths (3.46 - 9.27 MPa and 0.66-3.26 J/cm2) of the produced hybrid composites were observed to increase with increasing fibre content from 3 - 6 % and decreased at 9 %. The results of DMA revealed that loss modulus of the hybrid composites and pure polyester were found to increase with increasing temperature up to glass transition temperature and then decreased. The damping factor was observed to increase with increasing temperature and goes at maximum level in transition region and while decreasing the in rubbery region. The properties of the produced hybrid luffa-banana composites showed that luffa and banana fibres can be used in synergy as raw materials for composites manufacture. As the properties evaluated were in agreement with standard composites used as interior design of cars.