Investigation of effect of hybridization and layering patterns on mechanical properties of banana and kenaf fibers reinforced epoxy biocomposite

Abstract

This paper presents the Experimental evaluation of Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength and Impact Strength of Raw Banana-Kenaf fibers reinforced Epoxy Biocomposite. Non-woven banana-kenaf laminated composites fabricated by hand lay-up process by arranging fibers in different layering sequences. In the hybridization of banana and kenaf fibers alternate layers (Banana-Kenaf-Banana-Kenaf) as well as cumulative layers (Banana-Banana-Kenaf-Kenaf) are maintained. Results show that unidirectional banana fiber composite has better mechanical properties than bidirectional banana fiber composite. Furthermore it is found that unidirectional banana fiber laminate has more tensile strength than unidirectional banana-kenaf hybrid laminate. Whereas Flexural and Impact strengths of unidirectional banana-kenaf hybrid composite is more than that of unidirectional banana fiber laminate. Less costly, biodegradable, eco-friendly, non-toxic, skin-harmless, reusable, recyclable are the advantages of natural fibers over synthetic fibers. Such composites are used in the fields of manufacturing, space flight, automotive manufacturing and packaging.