Mechanical behavior of banana fiber polymer composite

Recent innovations in materials engineering involve natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites, known for being biodegradable, recyclable, lightweight, and cost effective. Effective fiber reinforcement relies on the adhesion between the matrix polymer and the fiber. These composites have diverse applications, including door panels, interior trim, bumper components, tennis rackets, roofing panels, and packaging materials. In this study, the weight-to-polymer ratio was 60:40, and banana fiber was combined with epoxy resin and hardener. Tensile, flexural and impact tests were conducted on the composite jointed with Fevicol and silicone paste. Overall, data suggest that silicone paste is a better choice than Fevicol for applications requiring flexibility and maximum strength.