Investigating Environmental Degradation of Banana-Sisal Epoxy Composites: Physical and Thermal Properties
Abstract
This study evaluates the environmental degradation of banana-sisal epoxy composites, focusing on their physical and thermal properties after exposure to moisture, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, and thermal aging. Alkali-treated and untreated composites were fabricated and tested for moisture absorption, tensile strength, flexural strength, thermogravimetric stability, and UV resistance. Results indicate that alkali-treated composites absorbed significantly less moisture (1.26%) than untreated composites (2.62%) after 120 hours of water immersion. Treated composites retained 87.6% of their initial tensile strength and 92% of their flexural strength, demonstrating superior mechanical performance compared to untreated composites. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed higher onset degradation temperatures (Tonset = 275°C) for treated composites compared to untreated composites (Tonset = 255°C) and better residual mass retention at 600°C. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) revealed a higher glass transition temperature (Tg = 93°C) for treated composites, indicating improved thermal stability. After 100 hours of UV exposure, treated composites retained 82% of their tensile strength, compared to 68% for untreated composites. These findings demonstrate that alkali-treated banana-sisal epoxy composites possess enhanced resistance to environmental degradation, making them viable for use in construction, automotive, and marine industries. Future research should aim to optimize fiber treatments, develop hybrid and nanocomposites, and conduct long-term durability and sustainability assessments.
Downloads
References
Andrew, J. J., & Dhakal, H. N. (2022). Sustainable biobased composites for advanced applications: Recent trends and future opportunities – A critical review. Composites Part C: Open Access, 7, 100220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcomc.2021.100220
Brebu, M. (2020). Environmental degradation of plastic composites with natural fillers—A review. Polymers, 12(1), 166. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12010166
Elfaleh, I., Abbassi, F., Habibi, M., Ahmad, F., Guedri, M., Nasri, M., & Garnie, C. (2023). A comprehensive review of natural fibers and their composites: An eco-friendly alternative to conventional materials. Results in Engineering, 19, 101271. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2023.101271
Ganasan, V., Chohan, J. S., Subburaj, G. S., & Harika, K. (2024). Stability of banana fiber/egg shell powder-based epoxy composites. In The International Conference on Processing and Performance of Materials (ICPPM 2023). https://doi.org/10.3390/engproc2024061011
Gowda, Y. T. G., Sanjay, M. R., Parameswaranpillai, J., & Siengchin, S. (2019). Natural fibers as sustainable and renewable resource for development of eco-friendly composites: A comprehensive review. Frontiers in Materials, 6, 226. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmats.2019.00226
Gurunathan, T., Mohanty, S., & Nayak, S. K. (2015). A review of the recent developments in biocomposites based on natural fibres and their application perspectives. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing, 77, 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2015.06.007
Hamidon, M. H., Sultan, M. T. H., Ariffin, A. H., & Shah, A. U. M. (2019). Effects of fibre treatment on mechanical properties of kenaf fibre reinforced composites: A review. Journal of Materials Research and Technology, 8(3), 3327-3337. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmrt.2019.04.012
Ismail, S. O., Akpan, E., & Dhakal, H. N. (2022). Review on natural plant fibres and their hybrid composites for structural applications: Recent trends and future perspectives. Composites Part C: Open Access, 9, 100322. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcomc.2022.100322
Jawaid, M., & Khalil, H. P. S. A. (2011). Cellulosic/synthetic fibre reinforced polymer hybrid composites: A review. Carbohydrate Polymers, 86(1), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2011.04.043
Kalangi, C., Prabu, A., Dhanaraj, A. S., & Jani, S. P. (2022). Experimental characterization of banana fiber reinforced polyester composites. Materials Today: Proceedings, 60(5). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2022.03.232
Karthi, N., Kumaresan, K., Sathish, S., & Sivanantham, G. (2020). An overview: Natural fiber reinforced hybrid composites, chemical treatments and application areas. Materials Today: Proceedings, 27(2015). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.01.011
Khalid, M. Y., Al Rashid, A., Ullah, Z., Arif, W., & Ahmed, W. (2021). Natural fiber reinforced composites: Sustainable materials for emerging applications. Results in Engineering, 11, 100263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rineng.2021.100263
Neto, J. S. S., de Queiroz, H. F. M., Aguiar, R. A. A., & Banea, M. D. (2021). A review on the thermal characterisation of natural and hybrid fiber composites. Polymers, 13(24), 4425. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13244425
Rabbi, M. S., Islam, T., & Islam, G. M. S. (2021). Injection-molded natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites–A review. International Journal of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, 16, 15. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40712-021-00139-1
Rahman, M. Z. (2021). Mechanical and damping performances of flax fibre composites – A review. Composites Part C: Open Access, 4, 100081. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcomc.2020.100081
Satyanarayana, K. G., Arizaga, G. G. C., & Wypych, F. (2009). Biodegradable composites based on lignocellulosic fibers—An overview. Progress in Polymer Science, 34(9), 982-1021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2008.12.002
Srinivasan, T., Suresh, G., Ramu, P., & Ram, V. G. (2020). Effect of water absorption on the mechanical behavior of banana fiber reinforced IPN natural composites. Materials Today: Proceedings, 45(10). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.06.024
Venkateshwaran, N., & Elayaperumal, A. (2010). Banana fiber reinforced polymer composites - A review. Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 29(15), 2387-2396. https://doi.org/10.1177/0731684409360578
