Influence of Fiber Volume and Fiber Length on Thermal and Flexural Properties of a Hybrid Natural Polymer Composite Prepared with Banana Stem, Pineapple Leaf, and S-Glass

Abstract

There is more demand for natural fiber-reinforced composites in the energy sector, and their impact on the environment is almost zero. Natural fiber has plenty of advantages, such as easy recycling and degrading property, low density, and low price. Natural fiber’s thermal properties and flexural properties are less than conventional fiber. This work deals with the changes in the thermal properties and mechanical properties of S-glass reinforced with a sodium hydroxide-treated pineapple leaf (PALF) and banana stem fibers. Banana stem and pineapple leaf fibers (PALF) were used at various volume fractions, i.e., 30%, 40%, and 50%, and various fiber lengths of 20 cm, 30 cm, and 40 cm with S-glass, and their effects on the thermal and mechanical properties were studied, and their optimum values were found. It was evidenced that increasing the fiber volume and fiber length enhanced the flexural and thermal properties up to 40% of the fiber volume, and started to decrease at 50% of the fiber volume. The fiber length provides an affirmative effect on the flexural properties and a pessimistic effect on the thermal properties. The PALF S-glass combination of 40% fiber load and 40 cm fiber length provides maximum flexural strength, flexural modulus, storage modulus, and lowest loss modulus based on hybrid Taguchi grey relational optimization techniques. PALF S-glass hybrid composite has been found to have 7.80%, 3.44%, 1.17% higher flexural strength, flexural modulus, and loss modulus, respectively, and 15.74% lower storage modulus compared to banana S-glass hybrid composite.

Processing of Aluminium-Silicon Alloy with Metal Carbide as Reinforcement through Powder-Based Additive Manufacturing: A Critical Study

“…Moreover, the scanning speed plays a significant role in densification and reducing cellular structure size [ 73 , 74 ]. In laser-based powder bed fusion (L-PBF), Marangoni convection and recoil pressure are confounding factors during processing which cause denudation [ 75 ], spattering, and pores [ 76 ].…”

Enhancing the Mechanical Characteristics of the Traditional Concrete with the Steel Scrap

“…Fibre like substances in cementitious material has been employed ever since 1920s and 1930s, while asbestos were commonly employed, although this was progressively faded away due to safety concerns [1,2]. Because of the harmful effects of asbestos material on the human body, numerous alternative fibres have really been created for the utilization in cement.…”

Experimental Analysis of Mechanical and Thermal Characteristics of Luffa/Epoxy Polymer Composite under the Influence of Nanosilica

“…Natural fibres that have been produced using renewables have a strong chance of being able to function as alternatives for artificial reinforcing mediums including fibre-glass and carbon-based fibres. Naturally accessible fibres such as jute, hemp, coir, bamboo, banana, sisal, kenaf, flax, luffa, and snake grass are frequently used to be the reinforcing elements in epoxy composites [8]. In comparison to the others, the mechanical characteristics of luffa fibres were shown to be much superior [9].…”