Experimental Investigation of Aloe Vera-Treated False Banana (Ensete Ventricosum) Fibre-Reinforced Polypropylene Composite

Abstract

This research work investigates the effects of the concentration and treatment of chopped false banana (Ensete ventricosum) fibres on the mechanical properties of a polypropylene matrix. The chopped false banana fibres (FBFs) were modified using Aloe Vera gel following treatment with 5% NaOH for 12 h at room temperature, with 1% acetic acid used to neutralise the remaining NaOH. FBF-reinforced polypropylene composite plates were then manufactured with 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt.% of chopped FBF. The mechanical properties were investigated using the compressive, impact, and three-point bending tests. Regarding the mechanical properties of the FBF-reinforced polypropylene composites, it was found that they have a maximum average compressive strength of 17.2 MPa. A maximum bending strength of 12.109 MPa was found for the Aloe Vera gel-treated composite with 30 wt.% of FBF. The maximum average compressive strength for this composite was 17.19 MPa. A maximum bending strength of 9.97 MPa for untreated composites was recorded for the composite with 10 wt.% of FBF. Finally, Aloe Vera-treated FBF-reinforced composites have better mechanical properties than untreated ones. The mechanical properties of Aloe Vera-treated FBF-reinforced polypropylene composites, as determined via impact, compressive and flexural tests, were superior for composites with 30 wt.% of FBF.