Experimental Investigation of Natural Hybrid Composite Material for Engineering Application

Composites are end products formed by the union of two or more dissimilar substances to create greater mechanical properties and strength. Through the union of materials, one can form a new material whose properties tend to be better than the properties of the individual components. Kevlar fibre is a good example of a quite renowned material for strength and tensile strength and, therefore, fills in for use towards reinforcing composite material. In this research work, we try to combine banana fibre with Kevlar fibre, a biodegradable raw material extracted from the banana plant, a low-cost rejected farm crop by-product. Banana fibre is mixed with K29 fibre and reinforced with epoxy resin to form a composite material in our study. Two samples are made, one using untreated banana fibre and another using NaOH-treated banana fibre. Samples are prepared using the cheap but effective hand layup method of composite material production. ASTM tensile tests are performed on the samples to assess mechanical behaviour. Test results are compared to determine banana fibre treatment efficacy and composite behaviour. Due to its strength and eco-friendliness, this innovative material could be applied in every engineering field.