Physical, mechanical and thermal properties of high frequency microwave treated plantain (Musa Paradisiaca) fibre/MWCNT hybrid epoxy nanocomposites

Abstract

Natural fibre reinforced polymer composite has many industrial applications especially inautomobile. However low mechanical and thermal property has limited its application. Inthis study, natural fibre reinforced hybrid nanocomposite was manufactured by the incorpo-ration of high frequency microwave treated Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) fibre and multiwalledcarbon nanotubes (MWCNT) using a single epoxy resin matrix. The consequence of harmo-nized existence of MWCNT at different loading (0.5â'2 wt.%) on the physical, mechanicaland thermal Properties of the hybrid nanocomposite was examined, using the ultrasonictechnique for dispersion of nanoparticles and hand lay-up and compression moulding pro-cess for composite production. The experimental results demonstrate that the mechanicalproperties strength improve up to 52%, while up to 30% improvement was recorded formicro-hardness and impact strength, caused by increment in MWCNT content. Scanningelectron microscope (SEM) analysis reveals good mechanical dovetailing of hybrid fibreswith polymer matrix. Thermal conductivity has shown significant improvement up to 43%as MWCNT contents increases. These enhancements are primarily ascribed to the highaspect ratio, high modulus, strength and good dispersal of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in thehybrid nanocomposites.