MWCNT Filled Banana-Rice Husk Epoxy Hybrid Natural Fiber Polymer Composites

Abstract

Natural fiber composites are prepared by combining two varying fiber/filler contents with a single matrix material. Hybrid polymer composite material made with synthetic agents (Thermosetting polymer) and natural fiber/filler contents. The current study focuses on hybrid polymer composite Multi Walled Carbon nanotubes (MWCNT)-filled Banana fiber/Rice husk filler-reinforced composites that have been assessed for mechanical responses. The banana fiber mat has been in the constant piling mode and altering the MWCNT and rice husk percentage in volume. Vacuum lay-up technique was used to construct the hybrid polymer composite and MWCNT was included with the help of ultrasonic probe sonicator instrument. Mechanical testing is performed accordance to the ASTM standards. The integration of MWCNT, as well as the constant piling order of banana fiber layers, has a stronger impact on mechanical properties. The three samples are prepared at the extremities 5% Banana fiber mat uniform loading and rice husk proportions are 10%, and 15% along with MWCNT filler (0.5% and 1%) for BRME2 and BRME3. The exhibited mechanical testing of the hybrid polymer composite to identify the conventional enhancement of hardness, tensile, impact, flexural, and compressive properties. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is used to examine the fractograph of the tensile sample prepared with BRME3. BRME2 polymer composite with 1% weight of MWCNT was identified higher mechanical properties compare to BRME3 and BRME1 (Tensile, Flexural Strength, and Shore-D Hardness: 46.5 MPa, 59.7 MPa, and 88.5). Furthermore, the impact strength of BRME3 was significantly higher than BRME2 and BRME1.