Investigation on mechanical, thermal and water absorption properties of banana/coir reinforced polypropylene hybrid composites

Abstract

This study explores the merits of B/C fibers reinforced polypropylene to developed high mechanical performance, cost effective and light weight hybrid composite. B/C fibers reinforced polypropylene hybrid composites were prepared with different proportions. Variation in Banana, Coir and B/C fibers in hybrid composites, reveal the tensile, flexural, impact strength and water absorption. The PP and Banana, Coir fibers reinforced Composites were prepared by the twin screw extrusion of PP 80% with B-20, C-20 and B/C 15/5, 10/10 and 5/15 wt%. After extrusion, the extraction strands cut into pallets and injection molded machine make the test specimens. It was found that maximum tensile strength, the flexural strength and the impact strength at 20% of banana fiber. Tensile, flexural and impact strengths marginally have been decreased when decrease the banana fiber in the B/C fiber reinforced polypropylene hybrid composites. Also observed water absorption of same composites for 24 hrs., 48 hrs. and 72 hrs. Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and XRD (X ray diffraction) was examined.