Synthesis and Characterization of Multi Wall Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT) Filled Hybrid Banana-Glass Fiber Reinforced Composites

Abstract

Natural Fiber Reinforced Composite (NFRC) are used by replacing Synthetic Fiber Reinforced Composites (SFRC) because of its poor reusability, recycling, bio degradability. Even though NFRC are lack in thermal stability, strength degradation, water absorption and poor impact properties. The hybridization and nanoparticles mixed in different polymers are used to improve mechanical and wear properties of the polymer composites. In the present investigation Multi wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) dispersed in Epoxy resin using ultrasonic bath sonicator are used as matrix face for hybrid banana-Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics composite materials which is manufactured by compression molding processes. As per ASTM standards tensile, compression tests are carried out by using Universal Testing Machine. Microstructure of samples are investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM) with Energy dispersive X-ray (EDS). SEM shows the homogeneous distribution of the fiber in the modified polymer matrix. The results indicated that the increase in weight % of MWCNT improves the mechanical properties of MWCNT filled hybrid natural fiber composites.