Effect of fiber length and fiber content on mechanical properties of banana fiber/epoxy composite

Abstract

The main factors that influence the properties of composite are fiber length and content. Hence the prediction of optimum fiber length and content becomes important, so that composite can be prepared with best mechanical properties. Experiments are carried out as per ASTM standards to find the mechanical properties namely, tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength and modulus, and impact strength. In addition to mechanical properties, water absorption capacity of the composite is also studied. Further, fractured surface of the specimen are subjected to morphological study using scanning electron microscope. The investigation revealed the suitability of banana fiber as an effective reinforcement in epoxy matrix.