Development of banana fabric biocomposites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets and polyacrylonitrile nanofibers for suspended-load backpack applications

The increasing demand for lightweight, high-strength materials in the automotive, aerospace, and sports industries has driven significant research into advanced composite materials. This study investigates the synthesis and mechanical performance of banana fabric-based biocomposites reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers (NFs), fabricated using the vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding (VARTM) technique. The incorporation of 0.2 wt% GNPs and 0.1 wt% PAN NFs significantly improved the tensile strength of the composite to 35.68 MPa and flexural strength to 55.34 MPa. The developed composite backplane material for suspended-load backpacks achieved a tensile strength of 61.83 MPa and a flexural strength of 74.14 MPa, surpassing the performance of conventional materials. The suspended-load backpack design utilizes this advanced composite, enabling optimal load distribution and enhanced wearer comfort. Mechanical testing and microstructural analysis through SEM and EDS revealed improved interfacial bonding and uniform dispersion of the reinforcement materials. These findings highlight the potential of biocomposites for applications requiring high strength, durability, and load distribution, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional synthetic materials in outdoor, military, and recreational backpacks.