Mechanical and Dynamic Properties of Banana Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Composites: A Multi-Analytical Characterization Study

Abstract

The principal objective of this investigation is to assess the damping properties of polyester composites reinforced with short banana fibers. The analysis includes evaluating mechanical characteristics, conducting free vibration examinations, measuring damping efficiency (tan δ), and utilizing Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). A comprehensive examination assesses Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength, Impact Strength, Hardness, free vibration attributes, damping coefficients, and SEM imagery from the fractured tensile sample surface. The composite samples are fabricated using a hand layup procedure with randomly arranged 10 mm-long fibers. Banana fiber content varies at 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt.%. Experimental results demonstrate a direct relationship between fiber quantity and improvements in Tensile Strength, Flexural Strength, Impact Strength, Hardness, Natural Frequency, and Damping ratio. Composites containing 15 wt.% banana fibers show the most significant improvements across various temperature and frequency ranges. Simultaneously, the presence of fibers reduces peak values in the damping curves (tan δ). The most notable improvement occurs in composites with 15 wt.% banana fibers, exhibiting characteristics similar to 100% polyester. This empirical study identifies a clear association between increasing fiber content and enhanced natural frequency and damping properties of the composite material.