Studies on the mechanical properties and wear behavior of banana/kenaf fiber reinforced polyester hybrid composites

Abstract

The availability of natural material like wood is on the decline while the demand is increasing. Deforestation has created a serious environmental damage. It has become an urgent necessity to develop suitable substitute for wood. Among the various synthetic materials that have been explored and advocated, plastics claim a major share as a substitute. Plastics are expensive, non renewable and cause environmental pollution. It is important to develop alternative materials for plastics or at least partly replace plastic. Consumption of plastics can also be reduced by using natural fiber reinforced composite. There is growing interest in the use of woven composites for structural applications. Bast and leaf fibers have high potential as reinforcing agents in polymer composites. Banana fibers are abundantly found in the South India, especially in Tamil Nadu. The main objectives of the present research study were the following: To determine the mechanical properties of randomly oriented banana, kenaf, and banana/kenaf composites To investigate the suitability of woven kenaf fibers and banana/kenaf fibers as reinforcement in polyester matrix composite by determining the tensile, flexural and impact strength and other related properties. To determine the contribution of alkali-treatment and Sodium Lauryl Sulphate treatment of banana and kenaf fiber on the tensile, flexural and impact properties. To understand the Abrasive wear behavior of banana/kenaf fibers polyester composite and evaluate its suitability as clutch plate material. The banana and kenaf woven fabrics were placed in a mould measuring 300 mm × 300 mm × 4 mm. The tensile strength of the composites was measured with a computerized Schimadzu Universal Testing machine in accordance with the ASTM D638 procedure at a cross head speed of 5 mm/min.