Examining The Effects Of Process Variables On The Tensile And Flexural Properties Of Banana Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites Exposed To Environmental Weathering Action

Abstract

Synthetic fibres (such as glass, carbon, ceramic fibres, etc) which were imported at huge cost could be replaced by natural fibres such as flax, hemp, jute, kenaf, etc. and widely used. In this research work, banana fibre reinforced vinylester matrix composites have been developed by hand layup moulding technique with varying parameters, such as fibre condition (untreated and chemically treated), fibre sizes 10,30 and 50 cm and fibre content (10%, 30% and 50% by weight). The developed banana fibre reinforced composites were then characterized by chemical methods. The results show that tensile strength increases with increase in the fibre size and content; however, after a certain size and fibre content, the tensile strength decreased again. The maximum Tensile strength was 1127N/mm² at a fibre length of 2.2cm and volume fraction of 36%. The maximum flexural strength was 67.15N/mm² occurring at 9cm fibre length and 50% vol fraction. The   minimum creep strength was 2x10^-45^-1 occurring at 3.2cm fibre length and 30% vol fraction.