Investigations on flexural performance of epoxy matrix composites strengthened with chemically modified and unmodified banana fiber/Used Camellia Sinensis (UCS) particles

Abstract

In this investigation, the flexural behaviour of the used camellia sinensis particles filled, alkaline modified and unmodified banana fiber reinforced with epoxy bio-composites were examined. Epoxy volumetric percentage was kept constant besides the reinforcement and the filler material volumetric percentage were varied. Banana fiber was elected as reinforcement material and it was endorsed for alkaline treatment. NaOH solution was adopted for chemical treatment of banana fiber surfaces. The conservative hand layup procedure was embraced to make the eight dissimilar categories of bio-composite plates. Flexural test samples were prepared as per the ASTM testing criteria. Digital Universal Testing Machine (UTM) was used to acquire the anticipated flexural performance. Investigational upshots indicate that the flexural behaviour of 4 vol % of used camellia sinensis particles filled, 31 vol % of alkaline modified banana fiber which is reinforced with epoxy matrix is grander than that of the other seven disparate bio-composite specimens. Alkaline treatment on the banana fiber surface and the optimum addition of Used Camellia Sinensis (UCS) into the epoxy matrix are the foremost reasons for the enhanced flexural performance of the composites.