Journal
COMPOSITES PART A-APPLIED SCIENCE AND MANUFACTURING
Volume 68, Issue -, Pages 90-100Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2014.08.032
Keywords
Natural fibre composites; Resins; Thermal analysis; Mechanical testing
Funding
- National Research Foundation - NRF [80694]
- Durban University of Technology
- Kentron (SA)
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This paper focuses on the synthesis and testing of a novel bio-based composite structure in which banana fibres was infused with resin made from banana sap. The mechanical, thermal, morphological and biodegradation properties of the bio-composite were characterized and it was found that the material was suitable for general non-functional components. Mechanical tests indicated 15% increase in tensile strength, 12% improvement in tensile modulus and a 25% improvement in flexural modulus when compared to structures produced without banana sap. At elevated temperatures a decrease in the moduli was observed. The thermal stability of the biocomposite composite improved and this corresponded with an increase in the glass transition temperature. Morphological studies using scanning electron microscopy revealed improved compatibility between the fibre and banana sap matrix. This resulted in improved dynamic modulus values and low damping values. Finally, degradation tests revealed increased microbial activity on the banana sap composite. This was indicative of improved biodegradation rates. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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