Enriched mechanical properties of Graphite nanoplatelets filled epoxy resin-plant fiber nanocomposites

Epoxy resin, 15.0 wt.% of 5.0 wt.% N-[3-(Trimethoxysilyl) propyl]-ethylene diamine treated plant fibers (banana or coir fiber with length of 5-15 mm) and triethylene tetramine (TETA) mixed in (0.1 wt.%, 0.3 wt.% and 0.5 wt.% individual concentration) of graphite nanoplatelets (GnP) were stirred separately to form GnP filled epoxy-silanated banana fiber (ESBF) and GnP filled epoxy-silanated coir fiber (ESCF) nanocomposites, respectively. Hand layup method was used to pour these nanocomposites on the mold followed by curing for 24 h at room temperature and post-curing for 8 h at 50 & DEG;C. Not only the amino group of silane creates bonding of epoxy resin with plant fibers but also the amino group of TETA makes good interaction of GnP with the epoxy resin responsible for enriched mechanical properties. The highest tensile strength of 93 MPa, flexural strength of 318 MPa and impact strength of 224 J/m were recorded for 0.5 wt. % GnP filled ESCF nanocomposite as compared to 87 MPa, 222 MPa and 192 J/m for 0.5 wt.% GnP filled ESBF nanocomposite. The greater improvement in ESCF nanocomposites was due to lower cellulose content, higher lignin content and higher % fiber volume fraction.