Studies on processing and characterisation of natural fibre epoxy composite

Abstract

Today polymers are commonly used in various applications from day to day consumables to highly sophisticated equipment This wide ranging application of polymers makes it difficult to avoid its usage even though it causes environmental problems Polymers have replaced many conventional materials because of the advantages they have over the newlineconventional materials In order to improve the properties of polymers fibres are reinforced with them to form polymer matrix composites Glass fibres are widely used as reinforcement with polymers to form polymer based composites especially in sectors like automotive and aerospace industries where light weight strength requirements play a significant role Natural fibres lay an important role in developing high performing fully newlinebiodegradable green composites which will be a key material to solve environmental problems in future Fibres are mainly classified into two types namely natural fibres newlineand synthetic fibres Natural fibres are obtained from plants animals and their products and synthetic fibres are prepared from chemicals Banana plant is one of the largest cultivated plants in India which accounts for 16000 tons every year The fibres extracted from it are currently used for making bags purses and other ornamental items newline