By: Haydar U. Zaman
Assist. Prof., Department of Physics, National University of Bangladesh and Institute of Radiation and Polymer Technology, Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission, P.O. Box-3787, Savar, Dhaka, Bangladesh
The focus of modern research is on using natural, biodegradable, and renewable materials in place of synthetic ones. Composites made from natural fibers are undergoing extensive research because of their unusual characteristics and eco-friendliness. Natural fibers have the benefits of being readily available, simple to handle, and biodegradable. One of the best ways to improve the mechanical characteristics of polymer is to reinforce it with natural fibers. With hybrid composites, it may be possible to balance the pursuit of mechanical characteristics like stiffness, strength, and ductility. In this study, the mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) that has been reinforced with chopped coconut husk and banana fiber were evaluated. The effects of fiber content, fiber ratio, and chemical treatment on mechanical properties were also examined. Coconut husk and banana are two fibers that are widely available in Bangladesh. For better adhesion with PP, raw coconut husk and banana fiber were chemically treated with 5% sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). To prepare the composite, the hot press technique was used with both untreated and SLS-treated fibers. The ratios of coconut husk and banana fibers varied to be 15/5, 10/10, and 5/15, while the fiber loading varied to be 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%. The composites produced were then tested for tensile strength, flexural strength, hardness, and water absorption. The increase in fiber loading resulted in an increase in all mechanical properties except for tensile strength. In comparison to the PP matrix, the produced composites’ properties were found to be better. Comparatively to composites comprising those fibers at a 10/10 or a 15/5 ratio, composites containing coconut husk and banana fiber at the 5/15 ratio showed better mechanical characteristics. In contrast, raw coconut husk and banana fiber treated with SLS improved the mechanical properties of treated fiber composites in comparison to raw fiber reinforced composite. Thus, the fiber-reinforced hybrid composites treated with SLS (5% SLS) showed better properties than their untreated counterparts among all made composites.
Keywords: Coconut husk and banana fiber, polypropylene, hybrid composite, mechanical properties
Citation:
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