Effect of mechanical properties on banana macro particle reinforced epoxy composites

Abstract

Mechanical properties of banana macro particles reinforced epoxy composites have been evaluated in this study. Composites have been prepared with 25, 30, and 35 wt % of banana macro particles using compression moulding machine. Mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, and impact) of banana macro particles reinforced epoxy composites have been obtained as a function of content of banana macro particles. The results show that the mechanical properties are found to increase substantially with increasing banana macro particles with epoxy composite. Composite with 35 wt% have the highest mechanical properties, <em>i.e.</em>, the tensile strength of 24.36 MPa; the flexural strength of 67.16 MPa; the impact strength of 0.32 J. Scanning electron microscope analysis has shown the failure mechanism and the damaged behaviors occurred in the composites after tests.