AMOGH WASTI SUBASH K.C. ANUDEEP SIVA SAI AGASTYA

Amogh Wasti* et al.(IJITR) INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH

Volume No.3, Issue No.3, April - May 2015, 2108 – 2118.

2320 –5547 @ 2013 http://www.ijitr.com All rights Reserved. Page | 2108

AMOGH WASTIGraduate Student,

Department of Mechanical Engineering, UCEK (A),Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada

(JNTUK), Kakinada, East Godavari,Andhra Pradesh, India

SUBASH K.C.Graduate Student,

Department of Mechanical Engineering, UCEK (A),Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada

(JNTUK), Kakinada, East Godavari,Andhra Pradesh, India

ANUDEEP SIVA SAI AGASTYAGraduate Student,

Department of Mechanical Engineering, UCEK (A),Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Kakinada (JNTUK)

Kakinada, East Godavari,Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract — With the increase in the development activities, the utilization of nonrenewable and non-biodegradable resources has increased exponentially. This has led to the environmental pollution and hasattracted the attention of quite a number of researchers. In these past few years, the researchers havebeen probing to synthesize new category of materials and products that are eco-friendly, sustainable forusage and have better physical and chemical properties.

The fibers extracted from the natural sources provide a wide range of advantages when compared to thesynthetic reinforcement materials in the composites. Natural fibres are low in cost, low in density, non-toxic in nature, have comparable strength and possess minimum waste disposal problems during thefabrication of composite materials.

The main objective of this experimental study is to fabricate natural fibre based composite materials andto evaluate its mechanical properties. As a result, Banana Fibre Reinforced Polyester Composites isfabricated taking three different fibre weight ratios. Wet layup technique is used to manufacture thecomposites and the fibres are laid unidirectional i.e. along 90° orientation.

After the fabrication, the mechanical properties such as Tensile strength, Flexural strength, ImpactStrength and Hardness are evaluated. It is found out that the mechanical properties are enhanced withincreasing fibre weight ratio in the composite and the flexural properties are enhanced by 28%, onincreasing the fibre weight ratio by 10%.

Keywords — Natural Fibres; Banana Fibres; Polyester Resin; Wet Layup; Weight Ratio; UnidirectionalReinforcement;90° Orientation.

List of Abbreviations

B Width of specimen T Tensile load applied

BHN / HB Brinell Hardness Number Volume of composite

D Thickness of specimen Volume of fibres in composite

D1 Diameter of indentation ball Mass of fibres in composite

D2 Diameter of indentation Mass of resin in composite

E Impact energy absorbed Density of fibres

F Flexural load applied Density of resin

L Span length of specimen Flexural stress

P Hardness load applied Tensile stress




I. INTRODUCTION

A. Banana Fibre

Banana is in Musa family. Banana plant is a largeperennial herb with leaf sheaths that form pseudostem. Its height can be 3.0 m to 12.2 m surroundingwith 8 to 12 large leaves. The leaves are up to 2.7m long and 0.61 m wide. Its fruits areapproximately 10.2 cm to 30.5 cm in size. Differentparts of banana trees serve different needsincluding fruits as food sources, leaves as foodwrapping, and stems for fiber and paper pulp. It isavailable throughout Thailand and Southeast Asian,India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Hawaii,and some Pacific islands. This source of fibersprovides great strength that is used generally inproducts such as tea bags and Japanese Yen Notes.Typically, Banana plants are grown for threepurposes, viz., Food Source, Decoration or Starchand Fibre Source [1].

Figure 1. Banana Fibre

Banana fiber (Fig. 1) is a multiple celled structure.The lumens are large in relation to the wallthickness. Cross markings are rare and fiber tipspointed and flat, ribbon like individual fiberdiameter range from 14 µm to 50 µm and thelength from 0.25 cm to 1.3 cm, showing the largeoval to round lumen. Banana fiber is a natural fiberwith high strength which can be blended easilywith cotton fiber or other synthetic fibers toproduce blended fabric and textiles. It is mainlyused by cottage industry in Southern India atpresent. Banana Fiber also finds use in high qualitysecurity or currency paper, packing cloth foragriculture produce, ships towing ropes, wetdrilling cables etc. [2].

The different properties of Banana fibres are listedin Table I [3]:

TABLE I. PROPERTIES OF BANANAFIBRES

Property Range

Cellulose (%) 63- 64

Hemi Cellulose (%) 19

Lignin (%) 5

Moisture (%) 10-11

Lumen size (mm) 5

Density (g/cm3) 1.48

Young’s Modulus (GPa) 20

Flexural Modulus (GPa) 2-5

Tensile Strength (MPa) 54

B. Polyester Resin

Polyester resins are unsaturated syntheticresins formed by the reaction of dibasic organicacids and polyhydric alcohols. Polyester resins areused in sheet moulding compound, bulk mouldingcompound and the toner of laser printers. Wallpanels fabricated from polyester resins reinforcedwith fiberglass — so-called fibreglass reinforcedplastic (FRP) — are typically used in restaurants,kitchens, restrooms and other areas that requirewashable low-maintenance walls.

Figure 2. Polyester Resin

Unsaturated polyesters (Fig. 2) are condensationpolymers formed by the reaction of polyols (alsoknown as polyhydric alcohols) which are organiccompounds with multiple alcohol or hydroxylfunctional groups, with saturated or unsaturateddibasic acids. Typical polyols used are glycols suchas ethylene glycol and typical acids usedare phthalic acid and maleic acid. Water, a by-product of esterification reactions is continuouslyremoved driving the reaction to completion. Theuse of unsaturated polyesters and additives suchas styrene lowers the viscosity of the resin. Theinitially liquid resin is converted to a solidby cross-linking chains as shown in Fig. 3.

Figure 3. Curing of Polyester Resin




This is done by creating free radicals at unsaturatedbonds which propagate in a chain reaction to otherunsaturated bonds in adjacent molecules therebylinking them in the process. The initial free radicalsare induced by adding a compound that easilydecomposes into free radicals. This compound isusually and incorrectly known as the catalyst.Substances used are generally organic peroxidessuch as Benzoyl Peroxide or Ethyl Methyl KetonePeroxide.

Polyester resins are thermosetting and, as withother resins, cure exothermically. The use ofexcessive catalyst can, therefore, cause charring oreven ignition during the curing process. Excessivecatalyst may also cause the product to fracture orform a rubbery material [4]. The differentproperties of Polyester resin are listed in Table II.

TABLE II. PROPERTIES OF POLYESTERRESIN

Property Values

Density (g/cm3) 1.37

Young’s Modulus (GPa) 3.45

Flexural Modulus (GPa) 3.45

Tensile Strength (MPa) 55

Shear Modulus (GPa) 1.4

Poisson’s Ratio 0.25

Breaking Strain (%) 2.1

C. Literature Review

Banana fibres are abundantly available fromagricultural resources; they are cheaper than theconventional natural fibres like bamboo, sisal, etc.Moreover they have high mechanical propertiesand hence can be used for a variety of applicationslike housing, automobile and packaging industry,etc.

The mechanical properties of a natural fiberreinforced composite depend on many parameters,such as fiber strength, modulus, fiber length andorientation, in addition to the fiber-matrixinterfacial bond strength. High mechanicalproperties of composites can be achieved through astrong fiber-matrix interface bond. A goodinterface bond is required for effective stresstransfer from the matrix to the fiber where bymaximum utilization of the fiber strength in thecomposite is achieved [5].

S. Raghavendra et al. [6] studied short banana fibrereinforced natural rubber composites andconcluded that the incorporation of fibre intorubber matrix increases the hardness of thecomposite which is related to strength and

toughness. Modification to the fiber also improvesresistance to moisture induced degradation of theinterface and the composite properties. Theultimate tensile strength of composite materialreinforced with NaOH treated banana fibre ishigher than those reinforced with untreated fibres.

In addition, short banana fiber reinforced polyestercomposite was studied by Pothan et al. [7]. Thestudy concentrated on the effect of fiber length andfiber content. The maximum tensile strength wasobserved at 30 mm fiber length while maximumimpact strength was observed at 40mm fiberlength. Incorporation of 40% untreated fibersprovides a 20% increase in the tensile strength anda 34% increase in impact strength.

As the fiber concentrations increases tensilestrength also increases. When fibre concentrationsare less the matrix and fiber interface shows weakbonding. P. Shashi Shankar et al. [8] tested theultimate strength of composites with different fibrepercentage and found that the ultimate tensile loadfirst increases with increase in fibre percentage andthen starts decreasing. The study of the impact testshowed the similar variation.

A number of investigations have been conductedon several types of natural fibers such as kenaf,hemp, flax, bamboo, banana and jute to study theeffects of these fibers on the mechanical propertiesof composite materials [9] [10]. In dynamicmechanical analysis, Laly et al. [11] haveinvestigated banana fiber reinforced polyestercomposites and found that the optimum content ofbanana fiber is 40%.

Mechanical properties of banana-fiber-cementcomposites were investigated physically andmechanically by Corbiere-Nicollier et al. [12]. Itwas reported that Kraft pulped banana fibercomposite has good flexural strength. Also theincorporation of these fibers with glass fiberimprove the tensile and flexural strength and thesecomposites can be used for medium strengthapplications [13].

Zainudin et al. [14] experimented on the thermaldegradation of banana pseudo-stem (BPS) filledun-plasticized polyvinyl chloride (UPVC)composites. The results indicated that the thermalstability of acrylic modified BPS/UPVCcomposites was greater than that of unmodifiedBPS/UPVC composites.

Samal et al. [15] fabricated and evaluated theproperties of banana and glass fiber reinforcedpolypropylene (BSGRP) composites. From theresults, it is known that the BSGRP composites inthe presence of MAPP is cost effective hadimproved storage modulus, crystallization and

2320

thermal degradation temperature, enhancement inmelting point, and optimum viscosity.

Biswal et al. [morphological properties of pmodified banana fiber nanoobserved that the mechanical properties can beimproved by treating the mercerized banana fiberswith NaOH solution. Addition of 30 weight %mercerized banana fibers to polypropylene nanocomposites im79.9% and the flexural strength by 68.8%.Morphological observations confirmed that theremoval of cementing agents from raw bananafibers enhanced the fiber adhesion properties withmatrix.

Naik and Mishra [properties of natural fiber reinforced high densitypolyethylene composites and found that theuntreated banana fiber showed better resistivity andvolume resistivity while maleic anhydrideagave fiber composites showed minimum surfaceresistivity and volume resistivity.

A.

fabrication of the composite material:

[From Top Left] Resin, Catalyst and Hardener

2320 –




II.

A. Selection Of Constituent Materials

The following constituents were selected for thefabrication of the composite material:

Fibre

Resin

Catalyst

Accelerator

Hardener

Releasing Agent


–5547




Selection Of Constituent Materials

he following constituents were selected for thefabrication of the composite material:

Fibre

Resin

Catalyst

Accelerator

Hardener

Releasing Agent


5547


Biswal et al. [morphological properties of pmodified banana fiber nanoobserved that the mechanical properties can beimproved by treating the mercerized banana fiberswith NaOH solution. Addition of 30 weight %mercerized banana fibers to polypropylene nanocomposites im79.9% and the flexural strength by 68.8%.Morphological observations confirmed that theremoval of cementing agents from raw bananafibers enhanced the fiber adhesion properties with


EXPERIMENTAL



Fibre

Resin

Catalyst

Accelerator

Hardener

Releasing Agent

Figure 4.



Biswal et al. [morphological properties of pmodified banana fiber nanoobserved that the mechanical properties can beimproved by treating the mercerized banana fiberswith NaOH solution. Addition of 30 weight %mercerized banana fibers to polypropylene nanocomposites improves the tensile strength up to79.9% and the flexural strength by 68.8%.Morphological observations confirmed that theremoval of cementing agents from raw bananafibers enhanced the fiber adhesion properties with


EXPERIMENTAL



Accelerator

Hardener

Releasing Agent

Figure 4.



Biswal et al. [16] examined the mechanical andmorphological properties of pmodified banana fiber nanoobserved that the mechanical properties can beimproved by treating the mercerized banana fiberswith NaOH solution. Addition of 30 weight %mercerized banana fibers to polypropylene nano

proves the tensile strength up to79.9% and the flexural strength by 68.8%.Morphological observations confirmed that theremoval of cementing agents from raw bananafibers enhanced the fiber adhesion properties with


EXPERIMENTAL



Releasing Agent

Figure 4.



] examined the mechanical andmorphological properties of pmodified banana fiber nanoobserved that the mechanical properties can beimproved by treating the mercerized banana fiberswith NaOH solution. Addition of 30 weight %mercerized banana fibers to polypropylene nano



EXPERIMENTAL



Releasing Agent

Figure 4.





Naik and Mishra [17] studied thproperties of natural fiber reinforced high densitypolyethylene composites and found that theuntreated banana fiber showed better resistivity andvolume resistivity while maleic anhydrideagave fiber composites showed minimum surfaceresistivity and volume resistivity.

EXPERIMENTAL



Banana

Polyester

Ethyl MethylPeroxide

Cobalt

Styrene

Palm Oil





] studied thproperties of natural fiber reinforced high densitypolyethylene composites and found that theuntreated banana fiber showed better resistivity andvolume resistivity while maleic anhydrideagave fiber composites showed minimum surfaceresistivity and volume resistivity.

EXPERIMENTAL



Banana

Polyester


Cobalt

Styrene

Palm Oil

Banana Fibre






EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE



Banana

Polyester


Cobalt

Styrene

Palm Oil

Banana Fibre



] examined the mechanical andmorphological properties of pmodified banana fiber nano-composites andobserved that the mechanical properties can beimproved by treating the mercerized banana fiberswith NaOH solution. Addition of 30 weight %mercerized banana fibers to polypropylene nano



PROCEDURE



Polyester


Palm Oil

Banana Fibre


@ 2013


] examined the mechanical andmorphological properties of polypropylene

composites andobserved that the mechanical properties can beimproved by treating the mercerized banana fiberswith NaOH solution. Addition of 30 weight %mercerized banana fibers to polypropylene nano


] studied thproperties of natural fiber reinforced high densitypolyethylene composites and found that theuntreated banana fiber showed better resistivity andvolume resistivity while maleic anhydrideagave fiber composites showed minimum surface

PROCEDURE



Ethyl Methyl Ketone

Banana Fibre


(IJITR) INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH

@ 2013

thermal degradation temperature, enhancement in

] examined the mechanical andolypropylene



] studied the electricalproperties of natural fiber reinforced high densitypolyethylene composites and found that theuntreated banana fiber showed better resistivity andvolume resistivity while maleic anhydrideagave fiber composites showed minimum surface

PROCEDURE


he following constituents were selected for the

Ketone

Banana Fibre



@ 2013 http://www.ijitr.com





e electricalproperties of natural fiber reinforced high densitypolyethylene composites and found that theuntreated banana fiber showed better resistivity andvolume resistivity while maleic anhydride-treatedagave fiber composites showed minimum surface

PROCEDURE


Ketone



http://www.ijitr.com





e electricalproperties of natural fiber reinforced high densitypolyethylene composites and found that theuntreated banana fiber showed better resistivity and

treatedagave fiber composites showed minimum surface

PROCEDURE







composites andobserved that the mechanical properties can beimproved by treating the mercerized banana fiberswith NaOH solution. Addition of 30 weight %mercerized banana fibers to polypropylene nano-


e electricalproperties of natural fiber reinforced high densitypolyethylene composites and found that theuntreated banana fiber showed better resistivity and

treatedagave fiber composites showed minimum surface







(IJITR) INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCHVolume No.3, Issue No.3, April


B.

Thefabrication of composite was carried out in thesteps mentioned below.

banana pseudo stem was cut into length of 500mmand was sliced longitudinally intoshown in Fig.in water for a period of two weeks so that the stemgot loosened.

then loosened and removed. The extra pieces of thestem was also removed by manual combing. Afterthis the extracted fibre was treatsolution for four hours while keeping it deeplyimmersed to prevent the oxidation. Then the treatedfibres were cured in an oven at 105°C for 24 hoursto completely eliminate the water content. Finally,the fibres were cut into desired lengproperly, as shown in Fig.

being extracted and dried, got curled up togetherand became difficult to process. To overcome thisproblem, the fibres were first cut down to thedesired length depending upon the size of themould. They were then straightened manuallyusiFinally they were left for drying for a period of3 hours as shown in Fig.


All rights Reserved.

B. Preparation Of Fibre

The process of readying the fibre (fabrication of composite was carried out in thesteps mentioned below.

1)banana pseudo stem was cut into length of 500mmand was sliced longitudinally intoshown in Fig.in water for a period of two weeks so that the stemgot loosened.

2)then loosened and removed. The extra pieces of thestem was also removed by manual combing. Afterthis the extracted fibre was treatsolution for four hours while keeping it deeplyimmersed to prevent the oxidation. Then the treatedfibres were cured in an oven at 105°C for 24 hoursto completely eliminate the water content. Finally,the fibres were cut into desired lengproperly, as shown in Fig.

3)being extracted and dried, got curled up togetherand became difficult to process. To overcome thisproblem, the fibres were first cut down to thedesired length depending upon the size of themould. They were then straightened manuallyusing water and were clipped together in the ends.Finally they were left for drying for a period of3 hours as shown in Fig.



Preparation Of Fibre

process of readying the fibre (fabrication of composite was carried out in thesteps mentioned below.

Cuttingbanana pseudo stem was cut into length of 500mmand was sliced longitudinally intoshown in Fig.in water for a period of two weeks so that the stemgot loosened.

Extraction Of Fibresthen loosened and removed. The extra pieces of thestem was also removed by manual combing. Afterthis the extracted fibre was treatsolution for four hours while keeping it deeplyimmersed to prevent the oxidation. Then the treatedfibres were cured in an oven at 105°C for 24 hoursto completely eliminate the water content. Finally,the fibres were cut into desired lengproperly, as shown in Fig.

Figure 6.

Straightening Of Fibresbeing extracted and dried, got curled up togetherand became difficult to process. To overcome thisproblem, the fibres were first cut down to thedesired length depending upon the size of themould. They were then straightened manually

ng water and were clipped together in the ends.Finally they were left for drying for a period of3 hours as shown in Fig.






Figure 5.


Figure 6.








Figure 5.


Figure 6.







Of Banana Stembanana pseudo stem was cut into length of 500mmand was sliced longitudinally into

6. The pieces were then submein water for a period of two weeks so that the stem

Figure 5.


Figure 6.








. The pieces were then submein water for a period of two weeks so that the stem

Figure 5.










Extracted Banana Fibre


ng water and were clipped together in the ends.Finally they were left for drying for a period of3 hours as shown in Fig. 8

(IJITR) INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCHVolume No.3, Issue No.3, April -


process of readying the fibre (fabrication of composite was carried out in the



Banana Stem

Extraction Of Fibresthen loosened and removed. The extra pieces of thestem was also removed by manual combing. Afterthis the extracted fibre was treatsolution for four hours while keeping it deeplyimmersed to prevent the oxidation. Then the treatedfibres were cured in an oven at 105°C for 24 hoursto completely eliminate the water content. Finally,the fibres were cut into desired lengproperly, as shown in Fig. 7.



ng water and were clipped together in the ends.Finally they were left for drying for a period of

8.

Amogh Wasti(IJITR) INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH

- May 2015,




Banana Stem

Extraction Of Fibres: The wet stem wasthen loosened and removed. The extra pieces of thestem was also removed by manual combing. Afterthis the extracted fibre was treatsolution for four hours while keeping it deeplyimmersed to prevent the oxidation. Then the treatedfibres were cured in an oven at 105°C for 24 hoursto completely eliminate the water content. Finally,the fibres were cut into desired leng

.





May 2015,




Banana Stem

The wet stem wasthen loosened and removed. The extra pieces of thestem was also removed by manual combing. Afterthis the extracted fibre was treated with 5% NaOHsolution for four hours while keeping it deeplyimmersed to prevent the oxidation. Then the treatedfibres were cured in an oven at 105°C for 24 hoursto completely eliminate the water content. Finally,the fibres were cut into desired leng


Straightening Of Fibres:being extracted and dried, got curled up togetherand became difficult to process. To overcome thisproblem, the fibres were first cut down to thedesired length depending upon the size of themould. They were then straightened manually



May 2015,

process of readying the fibre (Figfabrication of composite was carried out in the

Of Banana Stem:banana pseudo stem was cut into length of 500mmand was sliced longitudinally into four pieces as


Banana Stem

The wet stem wasthen loosened and removed. The extra pieces of thestem was also removed by manual combing. After

ed with 5% NaOHsolution for four hours while keeping it deeplyimmersed to prevent the oxidation. Then the treatedfibres were cured in an oven at 105°C for 24 hoursto completely eliminate the water content. Finally,the fibres were cut into desired length and stor


The fibre afterbeing extracted and dried, got curled up togetherand became difficult to process. To overcome thisproblem, the fibres were first cut down to thedesired length depending upon the size of themould. They were then straightened manually



May 2015, 2108

Page |

Fig. 4fabrication of composite was carried out in the

The maturebanana pseudo stem was cut into length of 500mm

four pieces as. The pieces were then subme

in water for a period of two weeks so that the stem

Banana Stem


ed with 5% NaOHsolution for four hours while keeping it deeplyimmersed to prevent the oxidation. Then the treatedfibres were cured in an oven at 105°C for 24 hoursto completely eliminate the water content. Finally,

th and stor





2108 –

Page |

. 4) for thefabrication of composite was carried out in the


four pieces as. The pieces were then subme




th and stor




* et al.(IJITR) INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH

– 2118

Page | 2111

for thefabrication of composite was carried out in the


four pieces as. The pieces were then submerged




th and stor



ng water and were clipped together in the ends.Finally they were left for drying for a period of 2 to


2118.

2111



four pieces asrged




th and stored


ng water and were clipped together in the ends.2 to



four pieces asrged




ed


ng water and were clipped together in the ends.2 to

2320

Figure 7.

C.

Since wet layup method was used for thefabrication of the composites and since the curingprocess was exothermic in nature, so a locallymade mould was used.and glass pieces adheredFig. 9

The dimensions of the mould were 330 mm x 250mm x 5 mm. The use of marble tiles, as thematerial for the mould, helped to obtain a goodsurface finish in the fabricated composites.

D.

Theca

catalyst (Ethyl Methyl Ketone Peroxide)was added into a given volume of polyester resin.The catalyst was added in the proportion of 1ml for100ml of resin. Then the catamixed in the resin until a darker yellow colourliquid or a purplish liquid win Fig. 10time so as not to let the liquids (Catalyst and Resin)form separate layers.

2320 –

Figure 7.

C. Preparation Of Mould

Since wet layup method was used for thefabrication of the composites and since the curingprocess was exothermic in nature, so a locallymade mould was used.and glass pieces adheredFig. 9


D. Preparation Of Resin

The preparation of the resin materialcarried in the steps mentioned below.

1)catalyst (Ethyl Methyl Ketone Peroxide)was added into a given volume of polyester resin.The catalyst was added in the proportion of 1ml for100ml of resin. Then the catamixed in the resin until a darker yellow colourliquid or a purplish liquid win Fig. 10time so as not to let the liquids (Catalyst and Resin)form separate layers.

Figure 9.

–5547

Figure 7.

Preparation Of Mould

Since wet layup method was used for thefabrication of the composites and since the curingprocess was exothermic in nature, so a locallymade mould was used.and glass pieces adheredFig. 9.


Preparation Of Resin

preparation of the resin materialrried in the steps mentioned below.

Addition Of Catalystcatalyst (Ethyl Methyl Ketone Peroxide)was added into a given volume of polyester resin.The catalyst was added in the proportion of 1ml for100ml of resin. Then the catamixed in the resin until a darker yellow colourliquid or a purplish liquid win Fig. 10time so as not to let the liquids (Catalyst and Resin)form separate layers.

Figure 9.

5547

Figure 7.


Since wet layup method was used for thefabrication of the composites and since the curingprocess was exothermic in nature, so a locallymade mould was used.and glass pieces adhered




Addition Of Catalystcatalyst (Ethyl Methyl Ketone Peroxide)was added into a given volume of polyester resin.The catalyst was added in the proportion of 1ml for100ml of resin. Then the catamixed in the resin until a darker yellow colourliquid or a purplish liquid win Fig. 10. The mixing was carried out from time totime so as not to let the liquids (Catalyst and Resin)form separate layers.

Figure 9.



Figure 8.




Addition Of Catalystcatalyst (Ethyl Methyl Ketone Peroxide)was added into a given volume of polyester resin.The catalyst was added in the proportion of 1ml for100ml of resin. Then the catamixed in the resin until a darker yellow colourliquid or a purplish liquid w

. The mixing was carried out from time totime so as not to let the liquids (Catalyst and Resin)form separate layers.

Figure 9.

Straightening of Banana Fibre



Figure 8.









Figure 8.






Resin



Since wet layup method was used for thefabrication of the composites and since the curingprocess was exothermic in nature, so a locallymade mould was used. Itand glass pieces adhered

Figure 8.





. The mixing was carried out from time totime so as not to let the liquids (Catalyst and Resin)

Resin



Since wet layup method was used for thefabrication of the composites and since the curingprocess was exothermic in nature, so a locally

It consisted of marble tilesand glass pieces adhered together as shown in the






Resin Mixed with Catalyst



consisted of marble tilestogether as shown in the

Mould



Addition Of Catalyst:catalyst (Ethyl Methyl Ketone Peroxide)was added into a given volume of polyester resin.The catalyst was added in the proportion of 1ml for100ml of resin. Then the catalyst was thoroughlymixed in the resin until a darker yellow colourliquid or a purplish liquid was obtained, as shown


Mixed with Catalyst




Mould



First of all, thecatalyst (Ethyl Methyl Ketone Peroxide)was added into a given volume of polyester resin.The catalyst was added in the proportion of 1ml for

lyst was thoroughlymixed in the resin until a darker yellow colour

as obtained, as shown. The mixing was carried out from time to

time so as not to let the liquids (Catalyst and Resin)

Mixed with Catalyst

@ 2013




Mould







Mixed with Catalyst


@ 2013





preparation of the resin material (Fig. 5





Mixed with Catalyst







Fig. 5

First of all, thecatalyst (Ethyl Methyl Ketone Peroxide) (Fig. 5was added into a given volume of polyester resin.The catalyst was added in the proportion of 1ml for




Mixed with Catalyst






The dimensions of the mould were 330 mm x 250mm x 5 mm. The use of marble tiles, as thematerial for the mould, helped to obtain a good

Fig. 5) was

First of all, theFig. 5

was added into a given volume of polyester resin.The catalyst was added in the proportion of 1ml for




Mixed with Catalyst






The dimensions of the mould were 330 mm x 250mm x 5 mm. The use of marble tiles, as thematerial for the mould, helped to obtain a good

was

First of all, theFig. 5)

was added into a given volume of polyester resin.The catalyst was added in the proportion of 1ml for










was added into the solution of the resin and thecatalyst just before the beginning of the mouldingprocess. The time taken by the hardener to solidifythe resin material and form a jellyroughly 20 minutes. So, absolute care was taken inthis task. Also, the other thing to be taken care wasnot to mix the catalyst and the hardener directly. Ifdone so, it would result in an explosion. Once thehardener was added, a thorough mixinsolution was done, so as to distribute each of theconstituents uniformly.

E.

The composition of the various constituents wereestimated and calculated based on the weight ratiosof fibre and the composites. For this,ratiosfabrication of the composites.

A

B

C

Using the given weight ratios of the constituents,the mass of the constituents were estimated usingthe concept of fibre volume fraction. Fiber VolumeFraction V is defined as the ratio of the volume offibres in the composites to the volume of thecomposfibres and that of resins is given by Equation 2.1 asshown below.

composite

A higher volume fraction generally gives highermechanical properties, better dimensional stabilityand reduced shrinkage and wrapping. On the otherhand, it can also induce bond failure and canreduce chTaking all these matters into account, the mass ofthe constituents for the different compositespecimens were



2)was added into the solution of the resin and thecatalyst just before the beginning of the mouldingprocess. The time taken by the hardener to solidifythe resin material and form a jellyroughly 20 minutes. So, absolute care was taken inthis task. Also, the other thing to be taken care wasnot to mix the catalyst and the hardener directly. Ifdone so, it would result in an explosion. Once thehardener was added, a thorough mixinsolution was done, so as to distribute each of theconstituents uniformly.

E. Estimation

The composition of the various constituents wereestimated and calculated based on the weight ratiosof fibre and the composites. For this,ratiosfabrication of the composites.

TABLE III. DIFFERENT

A

B

C

Using the given weight ratios of the constituents,the mass of the constituents were estimated usingthe concept of fibre volume fraction. Fiber VolumeFraction V is defined as the ratio of the volume offibres in the composites to the volume of thecomposfibres and that of resins is given by Equation 2.1 asshown below.

Where,composite




Addition Of Hardenerwas added into the solution of the resin and thecatalyst just before the beginning of the mouldingprocess. The time taken by the hardener to solidifythe resin material and form a jellyroughly 20 minutes. So, absolute care was taken inthis task. Also, the other thing to be taken care wasnot to mix the catalyst and the hardener directly. Ifdone so, it would result in an explosion. Once thehardener was added, a thorough mixinsolution was done, so as to distribute each of theconstituents uniformly.

Estimation

The composition of the various constituents wereestimated and calculated based on the weight ratiosof fibre and the composites. For this,ratios, as shown in Table III,fabrication of the composites.


Specimen

Using the given weight ratios of the constituents,the mass of the constituents were estimated usingthe concept of fibre volume fraction. Fiber VolumeFraction V is defined as the ratio of the volume offibres in the composites to the volume of thecomposite as a whole. Its relation to the mass offibres and that of resins is given by Equation 2.1 asshown below.

Where,composite





Estimation

The composition of the various constituents wereestimated and calculated based on the weight ratiosof fibre and the composites. For this,

, as shown in Table III,fabrication of the composites.


Specimen

No.

Using the given weight ratios of the constituents,the mass of the constituents were estimated usingthe concept of fibre volume fraction. Fiber VolumeFraction V is defined as the ratio of the volume offibres in the composites to the volume of the

ite as a whole. Its relation to the mass offibres and that of resins is given by Equation 2.1 asshown below.

Where,composite

ρ is the density of the fibres used

ρ is the density of the resin used

A higher volume fraction generally gives highermechanical properties, better dimensional stabilityand reduced shrinkage and wrapping. On the otherhand, it can also induce bond failure and canreduce chemical resistance, which is undesirable.Taking all these matters into account, the mass ofthe constituents for the different compositespecimens were




Estimation




Specimen

No.


ite as a whole. Its relation to the mass offibres and that of resins is given by Equation 2.1 asshown below.

Where,

is the density of the fibres used

is the mass of the resin i

is the density of the resin used

A higher volume fraction generally gives highermechanical properties, better dimensional stabilityand reduced shrinkage and wrapping. On the otherhand, it can also induce bond failure and can

emical resistance, which is undesirable.Taking all these matters into account, the mass ofthe constituents for the different compositespecimens were




Of Composition



DIFFERENT

Specimen


ite as a whole. Its relation to the mass offibres and that of resins is given by Equation 2.1 as

V





emical resistance, which is undesirable.Taking all these matters into account, the mass ofthe constituents for the different compositespecimens were determined as shown in Table




Of Composition



WEIGHTDIFFERENT COMPOSITE



V

is the mass of fibres in the





emical resistance, which is undesirable.Taking all these matters into account, the mass ofthe constituents for the different composite

determined as shown in Table



Of Composition



WEIGHTCOMPOSITE

30

50

70











Addition Of Hardenerwas added into the solution of the resin and thecatalyst just before the beginning of the mouldingprocess. The time taken by the hardener to solidifythe resin material and form a jellyroughly 20 minutes. So, absolute care was taken inthis task. Also, the other thing to be taken care wasnot to mix the catalyst and the hardener directly. Ifdone so, it would result in an explosion. Once thehardener was added, a thorough mixinsolution was done, so as to distribute each of the

Of Composition



WEIGHTCOMPOSITE

Fibre

(%)

30

50

70











- May 2015,

Addition Of Hardener:was added into the solution of the resin and thecatalyst just before the beginning of the mouldingprocess. The time taken by the hardener to solidifythe resin material and form a jellyroughly 20 minutes. So, absolute care was taken inthis task. Also, the other thing to be taken care wasnot to mix the catalyst and the hardener directly. Ifdone so, it would result in an explosion. Once thehardener was added, a thorough mixinsolution was done, so as to distribute each of the

Of Composition


, as shown in Table III, were used during thefabrication of the composites.

WEIGHT RATIOSCOMPOSITE

Fibre

(%)



ρ

ρ









May 2015,

Hardener (was added into the solution of the resin and thecatalyst just before the beginning of the mouldingprocess. The time taken by the hardener to solidifythe resin material and form a jelly-roughly 20 minutes. So, absolute care was taken inthis task. Also, the other thing to be taken care wasnot to mix the catalyst and the hardener directly. Ifdone so, it would result in an explosion. Once thehardener was added, a thorough mixinsolution was done, so as to distribute each of the


were used during the

RATIOSCOMPOSITE SPECIMEN

Fibre



ρ









May 2015,

Hardener (was added into the solution of the resin and thecatalyst just before the beginning of the mouldingprocess. The time taken by the hardener to solidify

-like subroughly 20 minutes. So, absolute care was taken inthis task. Also, the other thing to be taken care wasnot to mix the catalyst and the hardener directly. Ifdone so, it would result in an explosion. Once thehardener was added, a thorough mixinsolution was done, so as to distribute each of the



RATIOSSPECIMEN

70

50

30





is the mass of the resin in the composite






May 2015, 2108

Page |

Hardener (was added into the solution of the resin and thecatalyst just before the beginning of the mouldingprocess. The time taken by the hardener to solidify

like subroughly 20 minutes. So, absolute care was taken inthis task. Also, the other thing to be taken care wasnot to mix the catalyst and the hardener directly. Ifdone so, it would result in an explosion. Once thehardener was added, a thorough mixinsolution was done, so as to distribute each of the

The composition of the various constituents wereestimated and calculated based on the weight ratiosof fibre and the composites. For this, the


RATIOS USEDSPECIMEN

Resin

70

50

30





n the composite






2108 –

Page |

Hardener (Fig. 5was added into the solution of the resin and thecatalyst just before the beginning of the mouldingprocess. The time taken by the hardener to solidify

like substance isroughly 20 minutes. So, absolute care was taken inthis task. Also, the other thing to be taken care wasnot to mix the catalyst and the hardener directly. Ifdone so, it would result in an explosion. Once thehardener was added, a thorough mixing of thesolution was done, so as to distribute each of the

The composition of the various constituents wereestimated and calculated based on the weight ratios

the wwere used during the

USEDSPECIMEN

Resin

(%)



……



n the composite





– 2118

Page | 2112

Fig. 5was added into the solution of the resin and thecatalyst just before the beginning of the mouldingprocess. The time taken by the hardener to solidify

stance isroughly 20 minutes. So, absolute care was taken inthis task. Also, the other thing to be taken care wasnot to mix the catalyst and the hardener directly. Ifdone so, it would result in an explosion. Once the

g of thesolution was done, so as to distribute each of the


weightwere used during the

USED INSPECIMEN

Resin

(%)



……


n the composite



determined as shown in Table IV


2118.

2112

Fig. 5)was added into the solution of the resin and thecatalyst just before the beginning of the mouldingprocess. The time taken by the hardener to solidify




eightwere used during the

IN



……(1)


n the composite



IV.

was added into the solution of the resin and thecatalyst just before the beginning of the mouldingprocess. The time taken by the hardener to solidify




eightwere used during the






2320

TABLE IV.

Specimen

F.

The process of moulding was carried out in thefollowing steps.

all, the mould was thoroughly cleanedThen using a clean piece of linen any dust particlesor dirt attached to the mould was removed. Then athin layer of palm oil (releasing agent) was appliedon the bottom part of the mould and was left to dryas shown in Figthe side faces of the mould.

Figure 10.

dried, a thin layer of resin was addedshown in Fig. 12help of a roller to all the cornersbrush was used in the areas where roller couldn't beused. The resin was spread until all the air bubblesescaped out from the moulding area.

addition of thin layer of resin the bananareinforcement was laid unidirectional on top i.e.with 90° orientation. The fibre reinforcement wasstretched such that it had a uniform thickness. Withthe fibre reinforcement intact the remainingpolyester resin was poured on the top. Then using aroller and a brush, the resin was spread uniformlyto create an even and smooth laminshown in Fig. 13

2320 –

TABLE IV. IN

Specimen

No.

A

F. Moulding


1)all, the mould was thoroughly cleanedThen using a clean piece of linen any dust particlesor dirt attached to the mould was removed. Then athin layer of palm oil (releasing agent) was appliedon the bottom part of the mould and was left to dryas shown in Figthe side faces of the mould.

Figure 10.

2)dried, a thin layer of resin was addedshown in Fig. 12help of a roller to all the cornersbrush was used in the areas where roller couldn't beused. The resin was spread until all the air bubblesescaped out from the moulding area.

3)addition of thin layer of resin the bananareinforcement was laid unidirectional on top i.e.with 90° orientation. The fibre reinforcement wasstretched such that it had a uniform thickness. Withthe fibre reinforcement intact the remainingpolyester resin was poured on the top. Then using aroller and a brush, the resin was spread uniformlyto create an even and smooth laminshown in Fig. 13

–5547

TABLE IV. IN DIFFERENT

Specimen

No.

A

B

C

Moulding


Application Of Releasing Agentall, the mould was thoroughly cleanedThen using a clean piece of linen any dust particlesor dirt attached to the mould was removed. Then athin layer of palm oil (releasing agent) was appliedon the bottom part of the mould and was left to dryas shown in Figthe side faces of the mould.

Figure 10.

Skin Coatdried, a thin layer of resin was addedshown in Fig. 12help of a roller to all the cornersbrush was used in the areas where roller couldn't beused. The resin was spread until all the air bubblesescaped out from the moulding area.

Figure 11.

Addition Of Reinforcementaddition of thin layer of resin the bananareinforcement was laid unidirectional on top i.e.with 90° orientation. The fibre reinforcement wasstretched such that it had a uniform thickness. Withthe fibre reinforcement intact the remainingpolyester resin was poured on the top. Then using aroller and a brush, the resin was spread uniformlyto create an even and smooth laminshown in Fig. 13

5547

TABLE IV. DIFFERENT

Specimen

Moulding



Figure 10.


Figure 11.


TABLE IV. MASSDIFFERENT

Mass ofFibre (g)

Moulding



Figure 10.


Figure 11.


MASSDIFFERENT

Mass ofFibre (g)

120

200

280


Application Of Releasing Agentall, the mould was thoroughly cleanedThen using a clean piece of linen any dust particlesor dirt attached to the mould was removed. Then athin layer of palm oil (releasing agent) was appliedon the bottom part of the mould and was left to dryas shown in Fig.11the side faces of the mould.

Application of Releasing Agent

Skin Coat:dried, a thin layer of resin was addedshown in Fig. 12. The resin was spread with thehelp of a roller to all the cornersbrush was used in the areas where roller couldn't beused. The resin was spread until all the air bubblesescaped out from the moulding area.

Figure 11.

Addition Of Reinforcementaddition of thin layer of resin the bananareinforcement was laid unidirectional on top i.e.with 90° orientation. The fibre reinforcement wasstretched such that it had a uniform thickness. Withthe fibre reinforcement intact the remainingpolyester resin was poured on the top. Then using aroller and a brush, the resin was spread uniformlyto create an even and smooth laminshown in Fig. 13.

MASS OFDIFFERENT COMPOSITE

Mass ofFibre (g)

120

200

280

The process of moulding was carried out in the

Application Of Releasing Agentall, the mould was thoroughly cleanedThen using a clean piece of linen any dust particlesor dirt attached to the mould was removed. Then athin layer of palm oil (releasing agent) was appliedon the bottom part of the mould and was left to dry

.11. Palm oil was alsothe side faces of the mould.


After the releasing agent haddried, a thin layer of resin was added

. The resin was spread with thehelp of a roller to all the cornersbrush was used in the areas where roller couldn't beused. The resin was spread until all the air bubblesescaped out from the moulding area.

Addition Of Reinforcementaddition of thin layer of resin the bananareinforcement was laid unidirectional on top i.e.with 90° orientation. The fibre reinforcement wasstretched such that it had a uniform thickness. Withthe fibre reinforcement intact the remainingpolyester resin was poured on the top. Then using aroller and a brush, the resin was spread uniformlyto create an even and smooth lamin

OFCOMPOSITE

Mass ofFibre (g)



. Palm oil was alsothe side faces of the mould.




Skin Coat of Resin


CONSTITUENTSCOMPOSITE

Mass ofResin



. Palm oil was alsothe side faces of the mould.




Skin Coat of Resin



Mass ofResin

(g)

280

200

120



. Palm oil was also




Skin Coat of Resin



Mass ofResin

(g)

280

200

120



. Palm oil was also




Skin Coat of Resin


@ 2013

CONSTITUENTSSPECIMEN

Mass ofComposite



. Palm oil was also


After the releasing agent haddried, a thin layer of resin was added on top of it as

. The resin was spread with thehelp of a roller to all the corners and edges. Abrush was used in the areas where roller couldn't beused. The resin was spread until all the air bubblesescaped out from the moulding area.

Skin Coat of Resin

Addition Of Reinforcement:addition of thin layer of resin the bananareinforcement was laid unidirectional on top i.e.with 90° orientation. The fibre reinforcement wasstretched such that it had a uniform thickness. Withthe fibre reinforcement intact the remainingpolyester resin was poured on the top. Then using aroller and a brush, the resin was spread uniformlyto create an even and smooth laminate surface as


@ 2013

CONSTITUENTSSPECIMEN

Mass ofComposite


Application Of Releasing Agent:all, the mould was thoroughly cleaned and dried.Then using a clean piece of linen any dust particlesor dirt attached to the mould was removed. Then athin layer of palm oil (releasing agent) was appliedon the bottom part of the mould and was left to dry

. Palm oil was also applied to


After the releasing agent hadon top of it as

. The resin was spread with theand edges. A

brush was used in the areas where roller couldn't beused. The resin was spread until all the air bubbles

Skin Coat of Resin

After theaddition of thin layer of resin the bananareinforcement was laid unidirectional on top i.e.with 90° orientation. The fibre reinforcement wasstretched such that it had a uniform thickness. Withthe fibre reinforcement intact the remainingpolyester resin was poured on the top. Then using aroller and a brush, the resin was spread uniformly

ate surface as



CONSTITUENTS USEDSPECIMEN

Mass ofComposite

(g)

400

400

400


: First ofand dried.

Then using a clean piece of linen any dust particlesor dirt attached to the mould was removed. Then athin layer of palm oil (releasing agent) was appliedon the bottom part of the mould and was left to dry

applied to





Skin Coat of Resin

After theaddition of thin layer of resin the bananareinforcement was laid unidirectional on top i.e.with 90° orientation. The fibre reinforcement wasstretched such that it had a uniform thickness. Withthe fibre reinforcement intact the remainingpolyester resin was poured on the top. Then using aroller and a brush, the resin was spread uniformly

ate surface as



USEDSPECIMEN

Mass ofComposite

(g)

400

400

400


First ofand dried.


applied to





After theaddition of thin layer of resin the banana fibrereinforcement was laid unidirectional on top i.e.with 90° orientation. The fibre reinforcement wasstretched such that it had a uniform thickness. Withthe fibre reinforcement intact the remainingpolyester resin was poured on the top. Then using aroller and a brush, the resin was spread uniformly

ate surface as



USEDSPECIMEN

Mass ofComposite


First ofand dried.


applied to





After thefibre

reinforcement was laid unidirectional on top i.e.with 90° orientation. The fibre reinforcement wasstretched such that it had a uniform thickness. Withthe fibre reinforcement intact the remainingpolyester resin was poured on the top. Then using aroller and a brush, the resin was spread uniformly

ate surface as







was dried in approximately 10 minutes to 20minutes. Then, the edges of theremoved by pulling and flexing. Following it, thecomposite was separated from the bottom part ofthe mould and was left out for curing.

the polyester resin. Perfect curing of the overallcomposite tahours. After removal of the mould, the compositespecimen were left out in the sunlight for a periodof 2 days and then were taken up forshown in Fig. 14

Figure 13.

undergone with the finishing process. The surfaceof the composite was smoothened and its edgeswere trimmed. Then the composite material wascut into a number of specimens required for testingpurpose. The size of the specimenASTM Standards. A total of 5 Tensile Testspecimen, 5 Flexural Test specimen, 5 Impact Testspecimen and 1 Hardness Test Specimen wereprepared from each of the fabricated compositmaterials as shown in Fig. 15 and Fig.respectively.

Figure 14.



4)was dried in approximately 10 minutes to 20minutes. Then, the edges of theremoved by pulling and flexing. Following it, thecomposite was separated from the bottom part ofthe mould and was left out for curing.

5)the polyester resin. Perfect curing of the overallcomposite tahours. After removal of the mould, the compositespecimen were left out in the sunlight for a periodof 2 days and then were taken up forshown in Fig. 14

Figure 13.

6)undergone with the finishing process. The surfaceof the composite was smoothened and its edgeswere trimmed. Then the composite material wascut into a number of specimens required for testingpurpose. The size of the specimenASTM Standards. A total of 5 Tensile Testspecimen, 5 Flexural Test specimen, 5 Impact Testspecimen and 1 Hardness Test Specimen wereprepared from each of the fabricated compositmaterials as shown in Fig. 15 and Fig.respectively.

Figure 14.

Figure 15.



Figure 12.

Removal Of Mouldwas dried in approximately 10 minutes to 20minutes. Then, the edges of theremoved by pulling and flexing. Following it, thecomposite was separated from the bottom part ofthe mould and was left out for curing.

Curingthe polyester resin. Perfect curing of the overallcomposite tahours. After removal of the mould, the compositespecimen were left out in the sunlight for a periodof 2 days and then were taken up forshown in Fig. 14

Figure 13.

Finishingundergone with the finishing process. The surfaceof the composite was smoothened and its edgeswere trimmed. Then the composite material wascut into a number of specimens required for testingpurpose. The size of the specimenASTM Standards. A total of 5 Tensile Testspecimen, 5 Flexural Test specimen, 5 Impact Testspecimen and 1 Hardness Test Specimen wereprepared from each of the fabricated compositmaterials as shown in Fig. 15 and Fig.respectively.

Figure 14.

Figure 15. Specimen and Hardness Test Specimen



Figure 12.


Curingthe polyester resin. Perfect curing of the overallcomposite tahours. After removal of the mould, the compositespecimen were left out in the sunlight for a periodof 2 days and then were taken up forshown in Fig. 14

Figure 13.


Figure 14.




Figure 12.


Curing:the polyester resin. Perfect curing of the overallcomposite takes approximately 24 hours to 36hours. After removal of the mould, the compositespecimen were left out in the sunlight for a periodof 2 days and then were taken up forshown in Fig. 14

Figure 13.


Figure 14. and




Figure 12.


Curing is the process of setting ofthe polyester resin. Perfect curing of the overall

kes approximately 24 hours to 36hours. After removal of the mould, the compositespecimen were left out in the sunlight for a periodof 2 days and then were taken up forshown in Fig. 14.

Finishing: Theundergone with the finishing process. The surfaceof the composite was smoothened and its edgeswere trimmed. Then the composite material wascut into a number of specimens required for testingpurpose. The size of the specimenASTM Standards. A total of 5 Tensile Testspecimen, 5 Flexural Test specimen, 5 Impact Testspecimen and 1 Hardness Test Specimen wereprepared from each of the fabricated compositmaterials as shown in Fig. 15 and Fig.

and Flexural Test Specimen

Specimen and Hardness Test Specimen





kes approximately 24 hours to 36hours. After removal of the mould, the compositespecimen were left out in the sunlight for a periodof 2 days and then were taken up for

[From Left] Specimen A, B and C

Theundergone with the finishing process. The surfaceof the composite was smoothened and its edgeswere trimmed. Then the composite material wascut into a number of specimens required for testingpurpose. The size of the specimenASTM Standards. A total of 5 Tensile Testspecimen, 5 Flexural Test specimen, 5 Impact Testspecimen and 1 Hardness Test Specimen wereprepared from each of the fabricated compositmaterials as shown in Fig. 15 and Fig.

[From Left] Tensile Test SpecimenFlexural Test Specimen

[From Left] Izod Impact Test Specimen and Hardness Test Specimen


Fibre Reinforcement





The composite material was thenundergone with the finishing process. The surfaceof the composite was smoothened and its edgeswere trimmed. Then the composite material wascut into a number of specimens required for testingpurpose. The size of the specimenASTM Standards. A total of 5 Tensile Testspecimen, 5 Flexural Test specimen, 5 Impact Testspecimen and 1 Hardness Test Specimen wereprepared from each of the fabricated compositmaterials as shown in Fig. 15 and Fig.




Fibre Reinforcement

Removal Of Mould:was dried in approximately 10 minutes to 20minutes. Then, the edges of theremoved by pulling and flexing. Following it, thecomposite was separated from the bottom part ofthe mould and was left out for curing.




composite material was thenundergone with the finishing process. The surfaceof the composite was smoothened and its edgeswere trimmed. Then the composite material wascut into a number of specimens required for testingpurpose. The size of the specimenASTM Standards. A total of 5 Tensile Testspecimen, 5 Flexural Test specimen, 5 Impact Testspecimen and 1 Hardness Test Specimen wereprepared from each of the fabricated compositmaterials as shown in Fig. 15 and Fig.




- May 2015,

Fibre Reinforcement

The layer of the resinwas dried in approximately 10 minutes to 20minutes. Then, the edges of theremoved by pulling and flexing. Following it, thecomposite was separated from the bottom part ofthe mould and was left out for curing.




composite material was thenundergone with the finishing process. The surfaceof the composite was smoothened and its edgeswere trimmed. Then the composite material wascut into a number of specimens required for testingpurpose. The size of the specimenASTM Standards. A total of 5 Tensile Testspecimen, 5 Flexural Test specimen, 5 Impact Testspecimen and 1 Hardness Test Specimen wereprepared from each of the fabricated compositmaterials as shown in Fig. 15 and Fig.




May 2015,

Fibre Reinforcement





composite material was thenundergone with the finishing process. The surfaceof the composite was smoothened and its edgeswere trimmed. Then the composite material wascut into a number of specimens required for testingpurpose. The size of the specimen was based on theASTM Standards. A total of 5 Tensile Testspecimen, 5 Flexural Test specimen, 5 Impact Testspecimen and 1 Hardness Test Specimen wereprepared from each of the fabricated compositmaterials as shown in Fig. 15 and Fig.




May 2015,

Fibre Reinforcement





composite material was thenundergone with the finishing process. The surfaceof the composite was smoothened and its edgeswere trimmed. Then the composite material wascut into a number of specimens required for testing

was based on theASTM Standards. A total of 5 Tensile Testspecimen, 5 Flexural Test specimen, 5 Impact Testspecimen and 1 Hardness Test Specimen wereprepared from each of the fabricated compositmaterials as shown in Fig. 15 and Fig.




May 2015, 2108

Page |

Fibre Reinforcement

The layer of the resinwas dried in approximately 10 minutes to 20

mould wereremoved by pulling and flexing. Following it, thecomposite was separated from the bottom part of


kes approximately 24 hours to 36hours. After removal of the mould, the compositespecimen were left out in the sunlight for a period

finishing, as







2108 –

Page |

Fibre Reinforcement





finishing, as




[From Left] Tensile Test Specimen



– 2118

Page | 2113

Fibre Reinforcement





finishing, as





[From Left] Izod Impact Test


2118.

2113





finishing, as



was based on theASTM Standards. A total of 5 Tensile Testspecimen, 5 Flexural Test specimen, 5 Impact Testspecimen and 1 Hardness Test Specimen wereprepared from each of the fabricated compositematerials as shown in Fig. 15 and Fig. 16


[From Left] Izod Impact Test





finishing, as


was based on theASTM Standards. A total of 5 Tensile Testspecimen, 5 Flexural Test specimen, 5 Impact Testspecimen and 1 Hardness Test Specimen were

e




G. Testing

Following the fabrication of the composites, thetesting for different mechanical properties wascarried out. The test pieces were cut out as per theASTM Standards. The various tests performed onthe composite materials are listed below.

1) Tensile Test: The specimen prepared wasshaped into required dimension using a powerhacksaw. It was prepared according to the ASTMD638 standards (Fig. 17). The dimensions, gaugelength and cross head speeds were chosenaccording to the ASTM D638 standard. The tensiletest was performed on the Universal TestingMachine (UTM) (Model: GOI/MHRD SM_6E)(Fig. 18), at a temperature of 308K, with 80% RH.

Figure 16. ASTM D638 Standards forTensile Test Specimen

The process involved placing the test sample in theUTM and applying tension to it until the fracture ofthe material. There were three different specimen(A, B and C) and the experiments were repeated forfive test-pieces, prepared according to the ASTMstandards, and the average values were calculated,using Equation 2.

……(2)

Where,

T is the tensile load applied at fracture, inN

b is the width of the specimen, in mm

d is the thickness of the specimen, in mm

Figure 17. [From Left] UTM for Tensile Test and Tensile Test Specimen at Failure

2) Flexural Test: The flexural specimens wereprepared as per the ASTM D790 standards (Fig.

19) and the tests were carried out using the sameUTM, at a temperature of 308K, with 80% RH.

Figure 18. ASTM D790 Standards for Flexural Test Specimen

The 3-point flexural test (Fig. 20) is the mostcommon flexural test and thus was used in thisexperiment for checking the bending strength of thecomposite materials. In this test, the specimen to betested was subjected to a load at its midwaybetween the supports until it underwent fracture or5% strain. The support span length was kept as 100mm. There were three different specimen (A, B andC) and the experiments were repeated for five test-pieces, prepared according to the ASTM standards,and the average values were calculated, usingEquation 3.

……(3)

Where,

F is the flexural load applied at fracture, inN

L is the support span length of the specimen,

in mm

b is the width of the specimen, in mm

d is the thickness of the specimen, in mm

Figure 19. [From Left] Apparatus for Flexural Test and Flexural Test Specimen at

Failure

3) Izod Impact Test: The impact test specimenswere prepared according to the requireddimensions following the ASTM D256 standards(Fig. 21). The tests were carried out on PendulumImpact Testing Machine (Fig. 22), at a temperatureof 308K with 80% RH.




Figure 20. ASTM D256 Standards for IzodImpact Test Specimen

During the testing process, the specimen wasloaded in the testing machine and the pendulum ofmass 35 lb (≈ 16 Kg) was allowed to strike it at anangle of 30°. There were three different specimen(A, B and C) and the experiments were repeated forfive test-pieces, prepared according to the ASTMstandards, and the average values were calculated,using the Equation 4.

Impact Strength = ……(4)

Where,

E is the impact energy absorbed by thespecimen, in J

d is the thickness of the specimen, in m

Figure 21. [From Left] Setup for Izod Impact Test and Izod Impact Test Specimen at

Failure

4) Brinell Hardness Test: The hardness testspecimens were prepared of the size 30 mm x 30mm x 3.2 mm (Fig. 23). The tests were carried outin Brinell Hardness Testing Machine (Model:GOI/MHRD SM_12) (Fig. 24) at a temperature of308K with 80% RH.

Figure 22. Specifiations for Hardness Test Specimen

During the testing process, the specimen wasloaded in the testing machine and a load of 90 kg

was applied on it for 15s to create three indentationspots. The diameters of the indentation spot weredetermined using a travelling microscope and theBrinell Hardness Number (BHN) was calculatedusing the Equation 5.

BHN = ……(5)

Where,

P is the load applied, in Kg

D1 is the diameter of the indentation ball, inmm.

D2 is the diameter of indented spot, in mm

Figure 23. [From Left] Setup for Hardness Test and Hardness Test Specimen after test

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The results obtained after the tests conducted onthe composites are shown in Table V.

TABLE V. VARIATION OF MECHANICALPROPERTIES OF COMPOSITES WITH FIBRE

WEIGHT RATION

Specimen

Average

TensileFractur

eStrength (Mpa)

Average

Flexural

Fracture

Strength (Mpa)

Average IzodImpactStrength (J/m)

BHN

Specimen A(30%Fibre) 16.845 20.367 593.170 4.6

Specimen B(50%Fibre) 23.751 72.416

1101.602

5.184

Specimen C(70%Fibre) 29.043 113.151

1779.511

6.457




Figure 24. Variation of Average Tensile Fracture Strength with Fibre Weight Ratio

Figure 25. Variation of Average FlexuralFracture Strength with Fibre Weight Ratio

The variation of Average Tensile FractureStrength, Average Flexural Fracture Strength,Average Impact Strength and Hardness of thecomposite material with the Fibre Weight Ratio canbe represented in bar graphs as shown in theFig.25, Fig. 26, Fig. 27 and Fig. 28 respectively. Itcan be observed that each of the mechanicalproperties are enhanced with increasing fibreweight ratio.

Figure 26. Variation of Average ImpactStrength with Fibre Weight Ratio

Figure 27. Variation of Hardness with Fibre Weight Ratio

It can also be noted that the enhancement in theflexural strength is highest compared to other

mechanical properties. The comparative variationof the average tensile fracture strength and averageflexural fracture strength of Banana FibreReinforced Polymer Composites at different fibreweight ratios can be studied in the Fig. 29.

Figure 28. Variation of Average Tensile Fracture Strength and Average Flexural Fracture

Strength with Fibre Weight Ratio

IV. CONCLUSIONS

In this experimental study, Banana FibreReinforced Polyester Composites were fabricatedusing three different fibre weight ratios viz., 30%,50% and 70%. Their mechanical properties such astensile strength, flexural strength, impact strengthand hardness were investigated. Based on theresults obtained, the following conclusions weredrawn.

A. The flexural properties have been observed tobe highly enhanced due to the reinforcement ofBanana fibres into Polyester resin, whereas thetensile, impact and hardness properties seem tohave only a slight variation.

B. The best mechanical properties were obtainedfor the composite with the highest fibre weightratio i.e. the composite with 70% weight offibres.

C. The tensile properties of the compositematerial have been observed to be increasingwith the increasing fibre weight ratio. The bestmagnitude of tensile strength i.e. 29.043 MPawas obtained for the composite with 70% fibreweight ratio.

D. The flexural properties of the compositematerial have been observed to be increasingwith the fibre weight ratio. The best magnitudeof flexural strength i.e. 113.151 MPa wasobtained for the composite with 70% fibreweight ratio. This may have been due to theincrement in the fibre reinforcement quantity,increased bonding between the fibre and theresin or due to better flexural properties of thebanana fibre.

E. The impact properties of the compositematerial have been observed to be increasingwith the fibre weight ratio. The best magnitudeof impact strength i.e. 1779.511 J/m (or 5.694J) was obtained for the composite with 70%fibre weight ratio.




F. The hardness of the composite material havebeen observed to be increasing with the fibreweight ratio. The best magnitude of hardnessi.e. 6.457 HB was obtained for the compositewith 70% fibre weight ratio.

V. FUTURE WORKS

This experimental study has opened up the scopefor a number of future works. Some experimentalstudies that can be done in the field of BananaFibre Reinforced Polyester Composites are enlistedbelow.

A. Evaluation of compressive strength, fracturetoughness, thermal conductivity,electromagnetic properties and other propertiesof Banana Fibre Reinforced PolyesterComposites.

B. Study of microstructure.

C. Evaluation of mechanical properties withdifferent fibre orientation.

D. Fabrication of hybrid composites using bananafibre as a constituent.

E. Analysis of Banana Fibre Reinforced PolyesterComposites using ANSYS.

F. Study of application of Banana FibreReinforced Polyester Composites in the field oftextile and fabrics.

VI. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

At the outset, our heartfelt gratitude to our projectguide Sri V. Vara Prasad, Assistant Professor,Department of Mechanical Engineering, UCEK(A), JNTUK, without whose valuable suggestions,able guidance, continuous support andencouragement, we could not have completed thisresearch project.

Our deepest gratitude to Dr. B. Balakrishna,Professor and Head of the Department, Departmentof Mechanical Engineering, UCEK (A),JNTUK,for his everlasting support and guidance,elemental in completion of this project.

Our sincere thanks to Sri Satyanarayana Reddy,Strength of Materials Lab, Department of CivilEngineering, UCEK (A), JNTUK for assisting us incarrying out the necessary mechanical tests andfacilitating us in completing this project.

Finally, we would like to thank everyone who havebeen instrumental in the completion of this researchproject.

VII. REFERENCES

[1] P.Shashi Shankar, Dr.K.Thirupathi Reddyand V.ChandraSekhar, “MechanicalPerformance and Analysis of Banana Fiber

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[2] H. Venkatasubramanian, C. Chaithanyan,Dr. S. Raghuraman and T. Panneerselvam,“Evaluation Of Mechanical Properties OfAbaca-Glass-Banana Fiber ReinforcedHybrid Composites”, International JournalOf Innovative Research In Science,Engineering and Technology, Vol 3, Issue 1,January 2014, p. 8171.

[3] M. Ramesh, T. Sri AnandaAtreya, U.S.Aswin, H. Eashwar, C. Deepa, “ProcessingAnd Mechanical Property Evaluation OfBanana Fiber Reinforced PolymerComposites”, 2014, p. 565.

[4] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyester_resin

[5] Karnani R, Krishnan M and Narayan R,“Bio fiber-reinforced polypropylenecomposites” polymer engineering andscience, 37(2), 1997, pp. 476-48.

[6] S.Raghavendra, Lingaraju, P BalachandraShetty, PG Mukunda “MechanicalProperties of Short Banana Fiber ReinforcedNatural Rubber Composites”. InternationalJournal of Innovative Research in Science,Engineering and Technology Vol. 2, Issue 5,May 2013.

[7] Pothan L.A, Thomas S and Neelakantan,“Short Banana Fiber Reinforced PolyesterComposites: Mechanical, Failure and AgingCharacteristics”, Journal of ReinforcedPlastics and Composites, 16(8), pp. 744-765.

[8] P. Shashi Shankar, Dr. K. Thirupathi Reddyand V. Chandra Sekhar “MechanicalPerformance and Analysis of Banana FiberReinforced Epoxy Composites”.

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[14] Zainudin E.S., Sapuan S.M., Abdan K.,Mohamad M.T.M., Thermal degradation ofbanana pseudo-stem filled unplasticizedpolyvinyl chloride (UPVC) composites,Materials and Design; 2009; 30 : pp. 557–562.

[15] Samal S.K., Mohanty S., Nayak S.K.,Banana/Glass Fiber-ReinforcedPolypropylene Hybrid, Composites:Fabrication and Performance Evaluation,Polymer-Plastics Technology andEngineering; 2009; 48(4): 397-414. DOI:10.1080/03602550902725407.

[16] Biswal M., Mohanty S., Nayak S.K., Effectof Mercerized Banana Fiber on theMechanical and MorphologicalCharacteristics of Organically ModifiedFiber-Reinforced PolypropyleneNanocomposites, Polymer-PlasticsTechnology and Engineering; 2011; 50(14):1458-1469. DOI:10.1080/03602559.2011.593079.

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AMOGH WASTI SUBASH K.C. ANUDEEP SIVA SAI AGASTYA