The suitability of Ugandan bananas fibre for composite applications.

Abstract

Banana plant fibres which are abundantly available, banana fibre is light but high moisture content and less dense compared with other fibre. The fibre tensile properties are relatively low compare to the literature which may due to degradation problems. This study initially investigated the tensile behavior of single banana fibre and physical properties like, moisture content and fibre density. Then, the tensile behavior of banana fibre reinforced composites as a function of weave pattern (plain) and fibre surface modification. Lastly, comparing flexural strength and flexural modulus of reinforced composite with the weave pattern species of banana. fibre composite was tested and was compared with epoxy resin property (control experiment). The stiffness of the composite is significantly improved when the fabric is increased. The failure pattern of the composite also study in the project and it show a matrix failure pattern. The alkali treatment increases of the tensile strength of the fibres. Banana fibre composite could be used as strengthening material in structural applications.