Abstract
Natural fibres used as reinforcing materials in polymer matrix composites provide positive environmental benefits with respect to ultimate disposability and best utilization of raw materials. Banana fibre is waste from banana trunks or stems which are abundant in many places in the world. To benefit the environment, agricultural industry as well as other industries, there is a need for development of new usage of agricultural waste. Natural fabric based green composites were prepared by hand lay-up technique with natural woven banana fabric (WBF) and Isophthalic acid based unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) as matrix. The mechanical, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and morphological properties of these green composites were investigated. The WBF were treated with 6% aqueous solution of NaOH. Untreated and NaOH treated fabric surfaces were analyzed by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies was carried out to evaluate fabric/matrix interactions. Thermogravimetric analysis of the samples indicated better thermal properties of the alkali treated fibres. The improved fabric–matrix interaction is evident from the enhanced tensile and flexural properties. Reduction in water absorption of alkali treated WBF/UPR composite was observed. The results proved that appropriate alkali treatment of banana fabric improved interfacial adhesion, and in turn mechanical and water absorption properties of the green composite made in this study.
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