Synthesis and characteristics of natural fiber reinforced nano hybrid composite – an experimental study

Abstract

Abstract Recently, research on natural hybrid composites has occupied a significant role in the materials science sector. Due to the low density, high specific strength, dimensional stability, and biodegradability, natural fiber composite has become a predominant research area. The present study deals with the fabrication of a jute–banana fiber hybrid composite using the hand layup method with compression molding. A fixed concentration of 5 % carbon nanotubes (CNT) is included over the fiber surfaces as an additional reinforcement material to improve their thermal and electrical conduction properties. The prepared composite material is subjected to different fiber loading (0, 10, 20, and 30 wt.%) with jute and banana weight ratios of 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1. The investigation is conducted for testing the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the prepared composites along with morphological studies. Final results revealed a maximum longitudinal tensile strength of 68.8 MPa, 67.0 MPa, and 86.7 MPa and the maximum transverse tensile strength of 41.2 MPa, 40.5 MPa, and 48.0 MPa at 30 wt.% with respective fiber ratio of 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1. The maximum longitudinal flexural strength of this hybrid composite is noticed as 94 MPa, 90 MPa, and 103 MPa for the weight ratio of 1:1, 1:3, and 3:1. Higher impact energy is obtained for the composition ratio of 1:3 (JBC 1:3) which has more banana fiber than the other two. A new attempt at adding carbon nanotubes has improved their thermal conductivity compared to regular composites of jute–banana.