Mechanical Properties of Polyester Resin Reinforced with Treated Plantain Pseudo Steam Fibers

Abstract

The utilization of environmentally sustainable agro-waste as Natural fibers (NF) for reinforcement in polymer bio-composites has opened up a new path for materials development. Investigation has advocated that alterations of fiber surface by either physical or chemical techniques, enhances the efficacy of NF reinforced polymer composite. plantain (Musa paradisiacal) fiber (PF) isolated from plantain pseudo steam was treated with potassium permanganate in acetone in this investigation. Using a manual lay-up and compression moulding approach, modified and unmodified fibers were employed to manufacture a NF/polyester resin bio-composite. Surface morphology shows surface roughness of PF surface after treatments. The plantain fiber bio-composites (PFB) reinforced with modified fiber shows improvement in mechanical strength under optimal conditions, providing possibilities and durability for use in technical and structural