SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF FALSE BANANA (ʾƏNÄSÄTƏ) FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITE MATERIAL

Abstract

The use of environmentally friendly materials has recently been promoted due to increased awareness of environmental issues. To offer a better world for future generations, we must decide what we will utilize and serve today. When resources and products reach the end of their useful lives, resource preservation and degradation become issues. Biodegradable products manufactured from renewable resources address these issues. This research aims to develop a biodegradable resource of false banana (ʾənäsätə) fiber as reinforcement with polyester resin composite material manufactured by hand layup method at room temperature. The mechanical and physical properties of the produced sample were investigated. include tensile, flexural, impact strength, and water absorption. The fiber surface was treated with NaOH alkaline in distilled water solution. In composites, the fiber orientations were 0o, 90o, 45o/-45o, 0o/90o, and chopped, at 40% fiber volume fraction. The sample's production process was performed successfully. A chopped sample is an easier manufacturing process relative to the other. As the result, 0o fiber direction scored the highest tensile strength, which is 181.41MPa. In the flexural and impact strength test, a 90o oriented fiber was observed with the highest value, which is 81.43 MPa and 9.75 joules, respectively. The samples were immersed in distilled water until saturated. The highest percentage of water absorption was 45o/-45o oriented fiber. Many researchers have recently shown interest in natural fiber composites material for aerospace and automotive applications, such as aircraft radomes and interior cabin components, as well as remarks on natural fiber composites' future trends and problems. This article provides readers with a positive perspective and piques industry players' interest in the potential of using natural fiber composites in aerospace applications to improve current aerospace material performance, particularly in terms of lightweight and environmental sustainability.
Keywords: Composite, Fiber, Manufacturing, Matrix, Reinforcement, Sustainability