Abstract
The present work investigated the effect of chemical treatment on the mechanical properties of plain-woven banana fabrics reinforced with a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) biodegradable matrix. Woven banana fabrics were chemically treated with different concentrations (0·5, 1·0, 2·0, 3·0 and 4·0%) for 4 h at room temperature. The banana fabrics and PVA were used in ratios of 55 and 45% weight fractions, respectively. Composites were prepared using the hand-layup method. The samples were tested according to different ASTM standards for tensile, flexural and impact strength. The results showed that tensile, flexural and impact properties improved with potassium permanganate (KMnO4) treatment. The fabrics treated with 1·0% potassium permanganate showed very good mechanical properties compared with the untreated fabrics and the 0·5, 2·0, 3·0 and 4·0% treated fabrics. The 1% treated fabric composite showed a 68·07% increase in tensile strength compared with the untreated fabric composite. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the 1% treated fabric had better interfacial bonding between the fabric and matrix. This contributes to improvement in the mechanical properties of the composite.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
