Processing and Mechanical Behavior of Banana Fibre Reinforced Epoxy based Composite with Alumina and silicon Carbide

Polymer composites have outstanding qualities such as high strength, flexibility, stiffness, and lightweight. Currently, research is being performed to develop innovative polymer composites that may be used in many operational situations and contain a variety of fibre and filler combinations. Banana fibre has low density compared to glass fibre and it is a lingo-cellulosic fibre having relatively good mechanical properties compared to glass fibre. Because of their outstanding qualities, banana fibre reinforced polymer composites are now widely used in various industries. The primary goal of this study is to determine the effect of the wt.% of banana fibre, the wt.% of SiC, and the wt.% of Al2O3 in banana fibre reinforcement composites on the mechanical and physical properties of banana fibre reinforcement composites. Tensile strength and flexural strength of unfilled banana fibre epoxy composite increased with the increase in wt. of banana fibre from 0 wt.% to 12 wt.%. Further, an increase in wt.% banana fibre drop in mechanical property was observed. It has been concluded from the study that the variation in percentage weight of filler material with fixed amount (12 wt.%) of banana fibre affects the mechanical properties of filled banana reinforcement composites. Optimum mechanical properties were obtained for BHEC5 (72 wt.% Epoxy + Hardener, 12 wt.% banana fibre and 16 wt.% Al2O3).

Effectiveness of Banana Trunk as Protection Wall from High Velocity Shrapnel During Detonation of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO)

This paper is to investigate banana trunk fibre to be constructed alternatively for the sand bag and high energy absorption. The aim of this study also for enhancing method of absorption velocity shrapnel during detonated of Unexploded Ordnance (UXO), Explosive Remnants of War (ERW) and Improvise Explosive Device (IED). The study involved blast test which is providing high energy impact based on the amount of explosive used. Type of explosive were used are Emulex 180 with velocity of detonation 4500m/s to 5700m/s, Explosive energy 4.17 MJ/kg, density 1.13g/cc to 1.21g/cc and initiation were used are No. 8 Detonator. The structure of specimen is analysed using Stereo Microscope Image Analyser (35x zoom) which is an optical instrument that can observe the structure of the fragments (banana fibre) after blast test. Results shows that banana trunk can become a protection wall as it can absorb the impact of blast from explosion.

FRESH STATE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT FOAMED CONCRETE INCORPORATING ALKALI TREATED BANANA FIBRE

For a Lightweight Foamed Concrete (LFC) to efficiently function as an energy-saving building material, its self-weight (density) should be reduced. However, the problem associated with a reduced density is a decline in strength. To improve the mechanical properties of LFC, this research attempts to integrate banana fibre into LFC composite with a focus on fresh and harden state properties. An Ultra-Lightweight Foamed Concrete (ULFC) with a density of 600 kg/m3 was produced with the inclusion of treated and untreated banana fibres. The volume fractions of banana fibre added into LFC were 0.00% (control specimen), 0.25%, 0.35%, 0.45% and 0.55%. In addition, an optimised batch mix of ULFC reinforced with 0.35% untreated banana fibre was produced. The batches were tested for rheological, physical, and mechanical properties. Findings reveal that the workability of ULFC composites decrease with increase in fibre addition. The compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths of the alkali-treated composites were higher than the untreated banana fibre composite. SEM micrograph reveals that defibrillation of bundle fibrils due to cleaning the surface amorphous hemicellulose, lignin and pectin of the alkali-treated fibre, leads to rough surfaces and increase surface area resulting in better interfacial adhesion of the fibre with cement matrix.

MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR OF BANANA REINFORCED EPOXY COMPOSITE BY FINITE ELEMENT METHOD

In the recent years, there is a shift in interest of engineers and researchers to natural fibres from synthetic fibres. Natural fibres have high strength, are light weight and are also inexpensive than the traditional synthetic fibres. In addition, the fibres obtained naturally are biodegradability and eco-friendly in nature. Banana fibre is a derived product by cultivation of banana fruit and thus plentiful in environment. Banana fibre is classified among the strongest naturally obtained fibre and therefore when reinforced with other few binding resins can be utilized for different applications. Epoxy resin are suitable matrix for composite creation since they have outstanding binding characteristics. The (FEA) Finite Element Analysis of epoxy-banana composite shows that the maximum value of impact, flexural and tensile load that the composite can bear is 1000 N, 900 N and 2100 N respectively. According to this investigation it can be concluded that because of their outstanding load bearing characteristics epoxy-banana composite can be utilized for several medium load industrial uses to high load industrial uses. It is observed that the composite with least volume percent of epoxy has better mechanical strength and can bear higher deformation under higher load for tensile and flexural tests and for the impact strength results, the increase in fibre % results in lower impact strength. Also, the increase in higher vol. % of epoxy results in lower stiffness and higher deflection in the specimens, except for the specimen with 40% vol. of epoxy which obtained the most optimal results.

An Assessment of Flexural Improvement of Light Weight Concrete via Hybrid Fibres along with Sisal Fibres in Addition to Banana Fibres

Innate fibres, these days have become the topic of argument in the research field between different scientists to inculcate it in the formation of lightweight concrete mixture. This is due to a variety of rewards connected with natural fibres like recyclable, economical, availability in large quantity and its bio-degradability. Plenty of projects have been carried out in the production of natural fibre reinforced lightweight concrete. In this project, we would like to take the naturally existing fibre named sisal fibre and banana fibre as partial replacement material. The adding of natural fibre to the lightweight concrete will enhance the diverse strength parameters like flexural strength, compressive strength, and increase the ductile behaviour. In the current work, it is intended to explore the mechanical properties of lightweight concrete with substitution of sisal fibre and banana fibre for cement in different percentages. The compressive strength, flexural strength, deflection of the beam is calculated with the reflection of M30 concrete specimens. Totally 45 number of 500 x 100 x 100mm flexural member, 45 numbers of cubes and 45 numbers of cylinders are cast and tested. It is suggested that up to 1.5% substitution of sisal fibres and banana fibre with cement provide at M30 grade of concrete giveing the most beneficial increases of strength values. The assessment outcome indicated that the sisal fibres and banana fibre were efficient in improving the performance of lightweight concrete

Investigation of Thermal, Mechanical and Transport Properties of Ultra-Lightweight Foamed Concrete (ULFC) Strengthened with Alkali Treated Banana Fibre

Traditionally, Ultralightweight Foam Concrete (ULFC) is primarily used to replace filling excavations, ditch restoration and underground channels, because of their high porosity, water absorption and low strength. Yet, ULFC is characterized by excellent thermal properties and could be an alternative for sustainable energy-efficient building material. This study investigates the properties of an ULFC strengthened with alkali-treated banana fibre. The low density ULFC of 600kg/m3 was fabricated and strengthened with alkali-treated banana fibre. Fibre volume fraction of 0.25%, 0.35%, 0.45% and 0.55% were compared to the unreinforced specimens, serving as the control specimen (no fibre addition). Mix proportioning of 1:1.5:0.45 of cement, sand, and water was respectively adopted throughout the mix. The alkali treated banana fibre strengthened ULFC was tested for compressive strength, sorptivity and thermal properties. Morphology of the treated fibre and ULFC composites was studied using SEM micrograph. The result depicts that ULFC exhibited the optimum compressive strength of 1.1604N/mm2 with the fibre volume fraction of 0.35%. Sorptivity or rate of water absorption was testified to upsurge, after 24 hours duration at fibre volume fraction of 0.55%, recording a 56.12% increment compared to the control specimen. The finding displays that at the highest-fibre volume fraction of 0.55%, thermal conductivity and diffusivity decrease by 13.17% and 28.16%, correspondingly, whiles the specific heat capacity increases to 37.17% all compared with unreinforced specimens. SEM images reveal that the presence of lumen and the nature of porous and fibrous alkali-treated banana fibre. Hence, it is endorsed that ULFC produced with alkali-treated banana fibre should be utilized as an infill material for composite system.

The exchange of Musa spp. fibre in composite fabrication: a systematic review

Background The areas of application of natural fibres have gained popularity in recent times due to their attractive advantages when compared with other materials of engineering. These advantages include lightness, cost-effectiveness, and ease of processing, ecological friendliness, and durability. Previously, farmers only harvest Musa spp. fruits for their food values and packaging purposes. Main body of the abstract Several research works have been undertaken which accentuate the applications of the assumed waste portions of Musa spp. (banana and plantain) specifically Musa spp. fibre as a reinforcement material in composite manufacture. As a material for reinforcement in composites, the characterization, treatment, and fabrication techniques; elemental, chemical, and mechanical properties of Musa spp. fibre have been analysed. The mechanical properties of banana fibre reinforcement in polyester, epoxy, cement, and plastics composites were evaluated with those of other biodegradable fibres to explicate their relationships. Short conclusion This review aims to explore the current state of knowledge on the interaction of Musa spp. fibre in composite manufacture, to aid intending researchers with ample knowledge on the choice of material in bio-based composite design.