Experimental investigations on mechanical and water absorption properties of epoxy resin-banana fiber-tamarind seed particles hybrid biocomposites

Abstract

In recent years, a variety of natural resources have been used as reinforcing and filler components in the development of hybrid bio-composites. The epoxy resin matrix was subjected to trials in which tamarind seed powder and banana fiber were added. Banana fiber and tamarind seed powder are used as reinforcement materials. Hybrid bio-composites samples were developed by varying the weight percent of reinforcement materials while keeping the epoxy resin weight percentage constant. Biopolymer composite boards were produced by hot injection moulding. The water jet machining procedure is employed to cut out hybridized biocomposites sample for different mechanical and water absorption tests from the hybrid biocomposites boards. The incorporation of a small amount of tamarind seed powder and banana fibre into the epoxy resin matrix considerably improves the hybrid biocomposites' mechanical and water absorption capabilities.