Macrostructure and Fracture Behaviour of Rice Husk and MWCNT Dispersion Strengthened Alkali Treated Banana Fiber Matrix Hybrid Composites

Abstract

The mechanical properties of natural fiber composites reinforced with rice husk and multi-walled carbon nanotubes are studied. Two different mixing concentrations are prepared: 5 wt.% and 10 wt. % rice husk and 0.5 wt.% and 1.0 wt.% multi-walled carbon nanotubes incorporating with the constant reinforcing phases of the banana fiber is 10 wt.%. (Specimens: NBRME1 and NBRME2, where, N-NaOH; B-Banana fiber; R-Rice husk; M-MWCNT; E-Epoxy). The effect of surface treatment of banana fiber bundles is reacted with a 6% sodium hydroxide solution. The surface-treated reinforcement results indicated higher tensile, bending, and impact strength of the 0.5% MWCNT composite (43.96 MPa, 60.62 MPa, and 46.5 J/m) compared with 1% MWCNT composite. High-resolution optical macroscopic images are revealed a variety of defects, including interface behaviour, fiber stretching, fracture, cracking, and agglomeration. Biodegradable organic rice husk-based epoxy resin composite is valuable for manufacturing electronic parts, chips and circuits.