Use of musa paradisiaca fibers for the preparation and chemical, physical and mechanical characterization of a biodegradable composite material

Abstract

Composite materials with comparable properties and low environmental impact have been at the forefront of research. In the present work, the mechanical, physics and chemical properties that allow knowing the potential applications of Musa Paradisiaca fibers are evaluated, through an experimental process that starts from the selection of the binder and its fiber/binder ratio through tensile tests. The finally formed material is composed of a matrix of gelatin type C and glycerin and a reinforcement of banana fibers. The compound obtained was characterized by infrared spectroscopy by the Fourier transform, thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy and mechanical tensile and hardness tests. The results obtained from this study allowed confirming the presence of lignin and hemicellulose and evidencing the presence of good mechanical properties with a modulus of elasticity equivalent to 0.57 MPa, a percentage of elongation of 56%, an ultimate tensile strength of 3.5 MPa and a hardness of 82 Shore A, which allows us to consider a biodegradable composite material for applications in which soft gums and elastomers perform. The results obtained allow us to consider other alternatives for the use of Colombian banana fibers, in addition to their use as a biodegradable compound.