Experimental investigations of static, and dynamic mechanical characteristics and moisture uptake behaviour of Banana fibre reinforced epoxy laminates

Abstract

This paper explores mechanical behaviour and moisture absorption of Banana fibre-reinforced epoxy composite prepared by the vacuum bag moulding process. The composite laminates were made with different weight fractions of Banana fibres viz., 10%, 15%, 20%, 25% and 30%. The systematically measured key mechanical properties, including tensile, flexural, impact resistance, surface hardness, and the water absorption properties were tabulated and compared. Findings revealed a steady increase in mechanical performance as the fibre content increased up to 25 wt.% Specimen S25 with the highest tensile strength 178 MPa, flexural strength 245 MPa, impact resistance 4.2 kJ m−2, and hardness 78 Shore D being observed for S25 specimen. A drop in performance after this point was ascribed to fibre agglomeration, poor wetting of the resin and formation of voids. Moisture uptake was highest for 30 wt.% composite (Specimen S30) mainly because of high porosity and loose interfacial bonding. The experiment determines that 25 wt.% Banana fibre is the best reinforcement content that gives an equilibrium between mechanical integrity and water resistance. The research results highlight the possibility of Banana fibre-reinforced epoxy composites as sustainable, lightweight and high-performing materials to be used in automotive interiors, construction, furniture, and packaging.