Mechanical Behavior of Polymer Resin Composites Reinforced with Banana Fiber

Abstract

The present work investigates the tensile and flexural strength of natural banana fiber composites. Natural fibers have incontrovertible advantages over synthetic reinforcing materials such as non-toxicity, low density, low cost, comparable durability, and limited waste disposal issues. Banana fiber reinforced composites are being prepared in the current experiment and the strength properties of these composites have been evaluated. Using the hand lay-up process, the composite specimens with variable fiber lengths were prepared and pressed at room temperature. Mechanical testing such as tensile, flexural are applied to the specimens. Analysis of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) is performed to examine fiber matrix interfaces and to analyze the fractured surface structure.