Experimental Investigation on bio-Composite Using Jute and Banana Fiber as a Potential Substitute of Solid Wood Based Materials

Abstract

ABSTRACT Sustainable development in construction field enhances the usage of renewable materials in concrete. In this paper an effort is made to characterize and utilize such renewable materials as an alternative material to wooden construction products. Natural plant fibers such as Jute fiber and banana fiber are used for this purpose. In addition to this, industrial wastes such as Fly ash (FA) and Groundnut shell ash (GNSA) have been used for manufacturing value added composite materials. This research work aims to introduce an alternative to wood usage which will promote forest conservation, to reduce industrial waste deposits, and to enhance environmental protection. The inclusion of banana fiber, jute fiber and natural resin resulted in the reduction of water absorption from 24% to 1.2% and 12 times improvement in the mechanical behavior when compared to particle board and teak wood. Adding groundnut ash showed improved abrasion resistance by 1.25 times. The proposed composite material reinforced with natural fiber and industrial waste has superior mechanical properties, better resistance to water absorption, wear and tear effect, and fire and weathering effects and also acts as a cost and energy effective material than the particle board and teak wood.