Effect of banana peduncle fiber on the mechanical, water, and degradation properties of hybrid composites made from modified soy resin

Abstract

AbstractThe use of banana pseudo stems is currently acknowledged as a sustainable raw material that piqued researchers' interest because of their high cellulose content, and good to moderate tensile strength. In order to develop various batches of biodegradable composite, peduncle fibers from waste banana peduncles were isolated and then reinforced after mild alkali treatment with biodegradable soy resin, phenol‐formaldehyde (resole), and soy‐resole resins via thermoforming (compressing) method. Peduncle fiber reinforced soy‐resole composite exhibited maximum tensile strength of 43.5 MPa and flexural strength of 36.2 MPa as a result of strong interaction/bonding between functional groups of the two biomaterials used here. All composites were put through a water sorption test, which showed that they are fairly hydrophobic by nature since after 24 h, they absorbed 10.2%–28.2% of water. These composites proved to be both eco‐friendly and biodegradable, since they broke down easily in the soil after 60 days and all of the composites lost about 70% of their original weight. These composites are anticipated to be used as an alternative to environment threatening plastic in indoor furniture, packaging, and computer cabinets.Highlights Banana peduncle fiber was extracted from waste peduncle and used as reinforcer. The tensile strength of the composite was achieved as 43.5 MPa. The water absorption of composite was found 10.2% only after 24 h. After 60 days under soil burial, composite lost 70.8% of its original weight. Developed composites can be good alternant for non‐biodegradable thermoplastic.