Evaluation of Tensile, Flexural and Thermal Characteristics on Agro-Waste Based Polymer Composites Reinforced with Banana Fiber/Coconut Shell Filler

Agro waste burning is a serious environmental issue, which results in water and air pollution. The addition of these agro wastes as reinforcements in polymer composites can improve the mechanical properties. The present study involves the fabrication of banana fiber reinforced polyester composites filled with coconut shell filler using the hand layup technique. 30 vol% of banana fibers with 10 mm length is used for fabrication along with coconut shell filler of 1, 3 & 5 vol% in the polyester matrix. The fabricated composites are processed using the XRD, FTIR, TGA, tensile and flexural tests. The maximum tensile and flexural strength of 19.91 MPa and 92.761 MPa is achieved with 3 vol% of coconut shell-filled banana fiber polyester composites. The fiber/matrix debonding, poor interfacial adhesion, and matrix cracks are the important failure mechanisms that are identified using scanning electron microscopy.

Automated summary

Agro waste burning is a significant environmental issue that causes water and air pollution. Adding agro wastes as reinforcements in polymer composites can enhance mechanical properties. This study fabricated banana fiber reinforced polyester composites filled with coconut shell filler using the hand layup technique. The composites with 3 vol% of coconut shell achieved the highest tensile and flexural strength. Scanning electron microscopy revealed important failure mechanisms such as fiber/matrix debonding, poor interfacial adhesion, and matrix cracks.