Processing of high weight fraction banana fiber reinforced epoxy composites using pressure induced dip casting method

Abstract

The objective of this work is to realize new polymer composite material containing high amount of natural fibers as a bio-based reinforcement phase. Short banana fiber is chosen as a reinforcement material and epoxy polymer as a matrix material. About 77 wt.% of banana fibers were reinforced in the epoxy polymer matrix composite, using pressure induced fiber dipping method. Nanoclay particles were infused into the banana fibers to improve the fiber matrix interface properties. The nanoclay infused banana fiber were used to reinforce epoxy composite and its properties were compared with untreated banana fiber reinforced epoxy composite and banana fiber reinforced epoxy filled with nanoclay matrix composite. The surface characteristics of these composites were examined by electron microscope and the result shows well dispersed fibers in epoxy matrix. Thermal (thermogravimetry analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis), mechanical (tensile and fiber pullout) and water barrier properties of these composites were examined and the result showed that the nanoclay infused banana fiber reinforced epoxy composite shows better and improved properties. Improved surface finish composite was also obtained by this processing technique.