Mechanical Properties of Banana Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract

The Mechanical properties of banana fiber epoxy composites were investigated. The short fibers from pseudo stem part of the banana plant were used to prepare composites. The composite samples were prepared both from alkali treated and untreated banana fibers. Laminates were prepared from Vacuum molding technique. The fibre matrix weight ratio 30-70% resulted in optimum strength of the composites. The surface treatment improves the mechanical properties when compared with untreated composites. The alkali treated banana fibre are  proved to be the most effective reinforcement for the improvement of mechanical properties.