Abstract
Hybrid composites are composed of two or more fiber reinforcement components with distinct properties. The emphasis of this work is the development and analysis of mechanical characteristics such as tensile, flexural, impact, and water absorption behavior of five layered jute-banana fiber reinforced hybrid composites. Jute and banana fibers are alkali-treated and polylactic acid (PLA)-coated. The major goal is to use environmentally friendly treatment and coating to improve the mechanical properties and water absorption behavior of polymer-based hybrid jute-banana composites. The hybrid composites were manufactured using a hand layup approach with a fiber content of 40%. Untreated (JB1), PLA-coated (JB2), NaOH (sodium hydroxide)-treated (JB3), and PLA-coated and NaOH-treated (JB4) hybrid composite laminates were developed. The mechanical and water absorption analysis of surface modified composites were evaluated and compared to those of untreated fibers. ASTM standards are used to test laminates. This study found that the PLA coated, and NaOH-treated sample (JB4) had a 20.56% higher tensile strength than the untreated sample (JB1). The flexural strength of the NaOH-treated and PLA-coated hybrid composite structure (JB4) is 16.7% more than that of the untreated hybrid composite structure (JB1). The PLA coated and NaOH-treated jute/banana fiber reinforced hybrid composite samples (JB4) have 20.63% and 47.6% lower impact energy and water absorption capacity, respectively, than the untreated hybrid composite sample (JB1). These composites are suited for medium-strength applications in the automotive, construction, and packaging industries.
doi: 10.17756/nwj.2023-s4-020
Citation: Challabotla NR, Jyothula SK. 2023. Development and Mechanical Properties of Jute-banana Hybrid Composites with Effect of Alkali Treatment and Polylactic Acid Coating. NanoWorld J 9(S4): S113-S118.