41_4
Physio-mechanical & wear performance of banana fiber/walnut powder based epoxy composites
Article history: Received 24 August 2021, Received in revised form 28 September 2021, Accepted 15 October 2021, Available online 16 October 2021
Pages: 42-55
Author/Authors
Surya P Gairola, Yogesh Tyagia, Brijesh Gangilb, Kanishk Jhac
Abstract
The present environmental condition indicates the immediate need for sustainable materials containing mainly natural elements for composite fabrication. Encouragement of natural fibers in composite materials can significantly reduce the greenhouse effect and the high cost of manufacturing synthetic fiber-based polymer composites. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the physio-mechanical properties of banana fiber (BF) fiber - based epoxy (EP) composites filled with walnut shell powder (WNP). Fabrication was carried out by mixing and cold pressing with fixed BF proportion and varying percentages of WNP (0%, 5%, 10%, 15 wt. %). The results obtained in the study suggest the mechanical properties of the BF/EP composite were enhanced with the addition of WNP as a filler. This is because the WNP filler occupies the spaces in the composite, which bridge the gaps between the banana fibers and the epoxy matrix; also, the inclusion of walnut powder in the BF/EP composites greatly enhanced their wear resistance. The microstructural properties of the composites were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
DOI: https://doi.org/10.32933/ActaInnovations.41.4
Keywords
banana fibers; epoxy composites; walnut powder; mechanical properties; wear properties
Downloads
