EXPERIMETAL ANALYSIS OF MECHANICAL

PROPERTIES OF BANANA FIBRE COMPOSITE BY

DESTRUCTIVE TESTING

A PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by

BALAVINOTH.M 952416114003

SIVA.T 952416114018

VEERAHASAN.V 952416114305

In partial fulfillment for the award of the degree

Of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING

IN

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

PSN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE

ANNA UNIVERSITY: CHENNAI 600 025

MARCH 2020
 EXPERIMETAL ANALYSIS OF MECHANICAL

PROPERTIES OF BANANA FIBRE COMPOSITE BY

DESTRUCTIVE TESTING

A PROJECT REPORT

Submitted by

BALAVINOTH.M 952416114003

SIVA.T 952416114018

VEERAHASAN.V 952416114305

In partial fulfillment for the award of the degree

Of

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING

IN

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

PSN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE

ANNA UNIVERSITY: CHENNAI 600 025

MARCH 2020
 BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE

Certificate that this project report “EXPERIMETAL ANALYSIS OF

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF BANANA FIBRE COMPOSITE BY
DESTRUCTIVE TESTING” is the bonafide work of BALAVINOTH.M
(952416114003), SIVA.T (952416114018), VEERAHASAN.V
(952416114305) who carried out the project work under my supervision.

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE

Mr.P. MOHAN, M.E.,PH.D., Mr.M.STEPHEN M.E.,

HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT PROJECT GUIDE

Department of Department of

Mechanical engineering Mechanical engineering

PSN Institute of technology PSN Institute of technology

and science and science

Tirunelveli- 627152 Tirunelveli-627152

Submitted for the viva-vice examination held on ……………….

INTERNAL EXAMINER EXTERNAL EXAMINER

 ACKNOWELDEGEMENT

At this pleasing movement of having successfully completed our project

we wish to covey our sincere and gratitude to the management of our collage
and our beloved chairman Dr.P.SUYAMBU, Ph.D.,who provided all the
facilities to us.

With immense pleasure we wish to express our humble thinks to our

principal Dr.KATHIRVEL, M.E.,Ph.D., for permetting as to do the project
work and utilize all the facilities in our collage.

With immense pleasure we wish to express our humble thanks to our vice
principal Dr.J. RAJARAJAN, M.E., Ph.D., for permitting as to do the project
work and utilize all the facilities in our collage

We express our since thank to our head of the department

Mr.P.MOHAN, M.E., Ph.D.,department of Mechanical Engineering for his
valuable suggestion persistent encouragement and keep involvement throughout
this work which was of pleasure and help in successfully.

We are indeed very thankful to Mr.M. STEPHEN, M.E.,Mechanical

Engineering for initiating and motivating as throughput the project to complete
it efficient had it not been for his constant encouragement they had always
found time for clarifying our many dots and giving essential guidance during
discussion with him.

We express our thing to all teaching and non teaching staff of Mechanical
Engineering and management for this valuable help to do our project
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER NO. TITLE PAGE N0

LIST OF TABLES

LIST OF FIGURE

LIST OF SYMBOLS

ABSTRACT
1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 background of the study 1

1.2Justification 2

1.3 Scope of Study 3

1.4 Objectives 4

2 LITERATURE REVIE

2.1Banana 5

2.2Banana Stem 6

2.3 Source 9

2.4Natural Fibers as Reinforcements 12

2.5 Polymer Adhesive 15

2.6Epoxy 16
 TITELE

2.7 Tensile 17

2.8 Compression 18

2.9Compression 19

2.10 Bending 19

3 MATERIALS AND METHODS

3.1Materials 22

3.2Banana Fibers 22

3.3Adhesives 23

3.4Methods 23

3.5 PRE-TREATMENT OF BANANA STEMS 24

3.6Pre-treatment of Banana Stems 25

3.7Compressed of Banana Stems into Banana Fibers 25

3.8Air drying of Banana Fibers 28

3.9Oven dying of Banana Fibers 29

3.10FabricationCompressed Banana FibersComposite 30

3.11Physical Properties of Compressed Banana Fibers 31

 TITELE

3.12Moisture Content 32

3.13Basic Density 32

3.14Static Bending Strength 33

3.15Tensile Strength 35

3.16Compression Strength 36

3.17Data Analysis 37

4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1Physical Properties 40

4.2MechanicaPropertiesofBanana Fibers 42

4.3Analysis of Variance for Physical and 46

Mechanical Properties of Banana Fiber

4.4Compressed Banana Fiber Composite 47

5 CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK

5.1Conclusion 51

5.2Future Work 51

5.3REFERENCES 52
 LIST OF

NO TABLES
PAGE

Table 2.1 Botanical Composition of Banana Stem Fiber Study 9

Table 2.2 Applications of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers in Sporting

Goods 10

Table 2.3 Properties of Selected Natural Fibers 12

Table 2.4 Typical properties of Cast Epoxy Resin (at 23ºC) 15

Table 4.1 Average Value of Physical Properties of Compressed

Banana Fiber 40

Table 4.2 Average Value of Mechanical Properties of Compressed

Banana

Fiber Composite 42

Table 4.3 ANOVA Table of Physical Properties of compressed

banana fiber

and Mechanical Properties of Compressed Banana Fiber 49

Composite

Table 4.4 Correlation Values of the Properties of Compressed

Banana Fiber Composite
50

Table A.1 The Full Result for Mechanical and Physical Testing 52
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page

Figure 2.1 Banana Plantation 5

Figure 2.2 Differences in flesh color of banana 6

Figure 2.3 Banana stem 7

Figure 2.4 Untreated banana fiber 8

Figure 2.5 Pseudo-stem banana fibers reinforced epoxy composite 11

Figure 2.6 Structure of cellulose 13

Figure 2.7 Complex Structural components of natural fiber-reinforced

polymer composite 14

Figure 2.8 Chemical Structure of Epoxy 19

Figure 3.1 Banana Trees from Certain Banana Farms 22

Figure 3.2 Collections of Banana Stems 23

Figure 3.3 Dividing Banana Stem into three portions 24

Figure 3.4 Pre-treatment of Banana Stems 24

Figure 3.5 Air Drying of Banana Fibers 25

Figure 3.6 Oven dry of banana fibers 26

Figure 3.7 Samples before oven-dried 27

Figure 3.8 Samples after oven dried 30

Figure 3.9 Static Bending Testing on Compressed Banana Fibers 34

Composite

Figure Compression Testing on Compressed Banana Fiber37

3.10 Composite

Figure Research Frame of Compressed Banana Fiber Composite 38

3.11

Figure 4.1 Graph of Average Value of Moisture Content (%) of

Compressed

Banana Fiber 41
Figure 4.2 Graph of Average Value of Density of Compressed Banana42
Fiber

Figure 4.3 Graph of Average Value of Modulus of Elasticity of

Compressed

Banana Fiber Composite 44

Figure 4.4 Graph of Average Value of Modulus of Rupture (MPa) of

Compressed Banana Fiber Composite 45

Figure 4.5 Graph Average Value of Tensile (MPa) of Compressed

Banana Fiber Composite 46

Figure 4.6 Graph of Average Value of Compression (MPa) of

Compressed

Banana Fiber Composite 47

Figure B.1 Recommended Dimensions for Test Specimens for Various

Support Span to-Depth Ratios 51

Figure C.1 Fabrication of Compressed Banana Fibers Composite 52

Figure C.2 Compressed Banana Fibers Composite Panel 52

 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ASTM American Society of Testing and

Materials

BS British Standard

DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung

GPa Giga Pascal

JIS Japanese Industrial Standard

KES-FB Kawabata Evaluation System

MOE Modulus of Elasticity

MOR Modulus of Rupture

MPa Mega Pascal

PVAc Polyvinyl Acetate

PEEK Polyether ether Ketone

PSUL Polyphenylene Sulphide

PAI Polyamide-imide

TGDDM Tetraglycidal diaminodiphenyl

 LIST OF SYMBOLS

NO

% Percentage

wt% Weight Percentage

ºC Degree Celsius

∆ Deflection at proportional
limit, (mm) ρ Density
π Pi

ix
 ABSTRACT

In this study, banana fibers have been used as reinforcement in epoxy resins to
produce compressed banana fiber composite. The aim of this study is to
compare the mechanical and physical properties of the banana fiber composite
according to the portions of the banana stem fiber. The method used in
fabrication of banana fiber composite is cold-press. This method was proposed
to ease the production of this compressed banana fiber composite by the most
people with different economic background. Physical testing of compressed
banana fiber were moisture content and density. The compressed banana fiber
composite were mechanically tested including bending (flexural), tensile and
compression. The physical properties were done to indicate that moisture
content and density banana fibers affect the mechanical properties of
compressed banana fiber composites. It was describe and explain each research
activity based on the standards testing and requirement which had been used in
this experimental are based on British Standard (BS 310:1993) standard (EN
319:1993, BS 373:2008 and in house method). Moisture content of the banana
fibers increase up from bottom part to the upper part of the stems while the
density shows vice versa. The mechanical test result showed that the bottom
part has the highest and strongest value among the three portions. Nishino
(2004) discussed that each layer of the banana fibers compose of cellulose
embedded with a matrix of hemicelluloses and lignin, a structure that is
analogous to that of artificial fiber reinforced composites. The bottom part of a
plant has the highest cellulose content due to the early development of the plant.
The bottom part of the banana stem fiber can produce a highest durability
composites panel.

x
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The population of the world is rapidly increasing year by year. The
global climate change also is showing their impacts to the environment. This
current situation worries a lot of parties and industries this includes the wood
based industries. The wood based industries are currently facing problems
regarding the shortage of wood resources as the trees keep losing their habitat to
meet the human’s needs. The wood production will not sufficient to meet the
future demands. The world climate change also contributes to the reduction of
wood source since the increasing global temperature may lead to the burning of
forest and drought. Drastic reduction of forest resource promotes effective
utilization of fast-growing non-wood lignocelluloses materials and agro wastes
(Othman & Abdul Samad, 2009).

The increasing of efficiency and productivity of the agricultural industries make

both the producers and consumers have to deal with the agricultural waste
management effectively (Mohammadi, 2006). Framework for agriculture
extension should be provided to respond to the world-wide expectations for
agricultural productivity, food production, bio- safety as well as environmental
and bio-diversity conservation. Alternatives to recycle and reuse the agricultural
waste and residues need further research to reduce the impact of this waste
towards the environment and for the farmers to make money by utilize the
wastes. The increasing of wood demand results in the erosion of environment
and efforts has been turn to the employment of natural cellulose.

1
JUSTIFICATION

Synthetic component and chemistry have been developed to increase efficiency

to fulfil the needs in textile production after the industrial revolution. Textile
production processes are moving towards the concept of environmental-friendly
and sustainable development (Uraiwan, 2009). In recent studies, the review of
bio-composites and development in natural fibers, bio-polymers and various
surface modifications of natural fibers manage to decrease the world worries
regarding the shortage of world resources crisis. Natural fibers from the plants
can be used to reinforce polymers to obtain strong and light materials.

Polymers are used in order to obtain certain characteristics and properties of the
composites. A composite will get it shape, surface appearance, environmental
tolerance and overall durability from the matrix while the fibrous reinforcement
brings the most of the structural loads and give the macroscopic stiffness and
strength (Sreekumar and Thomas, 2008). Natural fibers also are renewable,
biodegradable, easily available, low cost, low density and have satisfactory
mechanical properties (Paul et al., 2010).

Natural fibers which are to be used in production of composites are classified

according to their origin, which those are vegetables, minerals or animals.
Banana fiber can be used as the reinforcing agents due to the analysis of tensile,
flexural, and impact properties of these composites revealed that composites
with the good strength could be successfully developed. Thus, the high–strength
pseudo-stem banana woven fabric reinforcement polymer composites can be
used in a wide range of applications (Maleque et al., 2007).

2
SCOPE OF STUDY

The materials used in producing the compressed banana fibers composite are
banana fibers and epoxy. Banana fibers act as reinforcement while epoxy is the
polymer matrix which binds the fibers together. The banana fibers undergo pre-
treatment process before being compressed by the compressed machine. Before
the banana fibers were used for fabrication process, physical properties of the
fibers were tested. Physical testing of the banana fibers includes density and
moisture content.

Next, for the preparation of the board, the banana fibers were oven dried before
fabrication process took place where the epoxy were applied on the fibers. The
fibers were layered perpendicularly. The board density was 650kg/m3 and the
size was 350mm x 350mm x 20mm. The compressed banana fibers composite
were trimmed and being cut to undergo mechanical testing.

The compressed banana fibers composite were then being mechanically tested
using the Universal Testing Machine (UTM)-LR10K, model 3 types via BS
310:1993 test method. The mechanical testing includes bending (flexural),
tensile and compression. Data from the physical properties and mechanical
properties were collected and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were carried out
using STATGRAPHICS® Centurion XV 2005 software to support the relative
importance (ANOVA and correlation analysis) of the effects of the study
variables such as portions of the banana stems on compressed banana fibers
composite mechanical properties.

3
OBJECTIVES

To determine the properties of compressed banana fiber composite based on the

banana stem portion using cold-setting adhesive.

To compare the properties of compressed banana fiber composite based on the

banana stem portion using cold-setting adhesive.

4
 CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

BANANA

Banana is abundantly cultivated in Malaysia. They grow easily in the tropical

climate country. It is native to tropical Southeast Asia, Archipelago Malay and
Australia (Co, 2009). The potential of this locally grown plant to be investigated
as fiber sources can be highly advantageous due to the trunked that are
considered as waste after the fruits have ripened. However, it is rarely being
used for composite production or as ornamental plants.

FIGURE 2.1 BANANA PLANTATION (SCOT ET.AL, 2006)

Banana plants serve a lot of uses. After rice, wheat and maize, Musa, a plant
genus of extraordinary significance to human societies, produces the fourth
most important food in the world today. A banana fruit with the mean weight of
125 gram has approximately 75% water content and 25% of dry matter (Co,
2006). Other than act as food source, banana fruit also can be used for
medicinal purpose.

5
Banana has the natural Source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, nitrogen, phosphorus
and potassium which is needed for build healthy and regenerated tissues.
Banana is one of the fruit which can be safely consumed to fight intestinal
disorders like ulcers (Kumar et al., 2012). The banana is of great nutritional
value. It has a rare combination of energy value, tissue-building elements,
protein, vitamins and minerals.

FIGURE 2.2: DIFFERENCES IN FLESH COLOR OF BANANA (ENGL-

BERGER, 2003)

BANANA STEM

The stem of banana plant (Musa sepientum) gives a ligno-cellulosic fiber which
is a bast fiber with relatively good mechanical properties and has a complex
structure (Samrat et al., 2008). Lignocellulosic is generally consisting of
helically wound cellulose micro in amorphous matrix of lignin and
hemicellulose (Raghavendra et al., 2012). The mechanical properties and micro-
fibril angles were decided by the cellulose content.

6
 FIGURE 2.3: BANANA STEM (SCOT ET AL., 2006)

Banana fibers are multicellular fiber like other vegetable fiber which consists of
four kinds of cells known as xylem, phloem, sclerenchyma and parenchyma
(Kulkarni et al., 1983). For a desirable mechanical properties of bast fibers, a
high cellulose content and low micro-fibril angle are imparts (Raghavendra et
al., 2012; Samrat et al., 2008). Lignin which composed of nine carbon units
derived from substituted cinnamyl alcohol are associated with hemicelluloses
and play an important role in the natural decay resistance of the lignocellulosic
material (Samrat et al., 2008).

7
 Figure 2.4: Untreated banana fiber (Rajesh Ghosh et al., 2011)

Banana fibers are the natural fibers with the characteristics of strong moisture
absorption quality, highly tensile strength, highly breathable, small elongation,
light weight and biodegradable. The fineness and spin ability is better than other
natural fibers. Banana fibers are generally developed in many ways and
products. The paper technology was developed in Australia by using the banana
trunk as raw material and cross-plying techniques to produce banana paper
(Ganan et al., 2004). Banana paper can be used until 25 kilograms weight which
indicates that banana paper is much stronger than regular paper and were used
for cement bags and other heavy duty bags. Joseph et al. (2002), indicate that
the mechanical properties of carbolic formaldehyde acid banana composite are
comparable to the carbolic formaldehyde acid of glass fiber. Banana fibers
currently are considered as agricultural waste product. Extractions from stem
fibers are not commonly practiced as most of stem fibers are not used as
products. Table 2.1 shows the botanical composition of banana stem fiber study.

8
TABLE 2.1: BOTANICAL COMPOSITION OF BANANA STEM FIBER
STUDY

Elements Percentage (%)

1. Cellulose 31.27 ± 3.61

2. Semi cellulose 14.98 ± 2.03

3. Lignin 15.07 ± 0.66

4. Extractive 4.46 ± 0.11

5. Moisture 9.74 ± 1.42

6. Ash 8.65 ± 0.10

SOURCE

Banana fibers are also being used in the automobiles to reinforce the body of the
vehicles. The highly tensile strength that posed in banana fibers makes it
suitable to be developed as composite. The composite made by banana fibers
can withstand stone strikes and exposure to the environment such as ultraviolet
from the sun and water. Banana is the best candidates as the strengthening
natural fibers as it has the advantages of the environmental load is small as it is
grows rapidly and easily regenerate if being cut (Ragavendra et al., 2012).
Hence, these composites of high-strength pseudo-stem banana reinforcement
polymer can be used of many applications.

As the textile production increase, farmers and villagers tend to neglect their
traditional fibers harvesting process and turn to synthetic fibers and chemicals
to achieve production capability.
9
 TABLE 2.2: APPLICATIONS OF FIBER-REINFORCED POLYMERS
IN SPORTING GOODS

Applications of Fiber-Reinforced Polymers in Sporting

Goods

Tennis rackets Racket ball rackets

Golf club shaftsFishing rods Bicycle frames

Snow and water skis

Ski poles, pole vault poles Hockey sticks

Baseball bats

Sail boats and kayaks Oars, paddles

Canoe hulls

Surfboards, snow boards Arrows

Archery bows Javelins Helmets

Exercise equipment

Athletic shoe soles and heels

Fiber reinforced composites are the most common form in which are used in
structural applications is called a laminate, which is made by stacking a number
of thin layers of fibers and matrix and consolidating them into the desired
thickness.

10
 FIGURE 2.5: PSEUDO-STEM BANANA FIBERS REINFORCED
EPOXY COMPOSITE (MALEQUE ET AL., 2007)

Unlike years before, bio-composites these days maintain a balance between

economics and environment allowing them to be considered for applications in
the automotive, building, furniture and packaging industries. Bio-composites
before are derived from natural fibers and traditional thermoplastics or
thermoses’ are not sufficiently environmentally friendly because matrix resins
are non-biodegradable (Mohanty et al., 2001). This is due to the resins are
petroleum based.

There are two types of composites production that are cold-setting and hot-
setting. Cold setting composites pressed the fibers and resin used without using
any heat and vice versa for the hot-setting composites. In the composite field,
most of the research done has focused on improving interfacial properties
between the polymer matrices and natural fillers in order to enhance the
physical and mechanical properties of the end products.

However, composites can fail by their compression and tension. Compression

failures can occur at both the macro scale or at each individual reinforcing fiber.

11
NATURAL FIBERS AS REINFORCEMENT

Natural fibers such as flax, ramie, bamboo, jute, kenaf, pineapple and hemp
have always been used in reinforcements in previous researches (Raghavendra
et al., 2012). Grown as agricultural plants in various parts of the world, these
fibers are commonly used for making ropes, carpet backing, bags and so on
(Malick, 2007). Natural fibers have the properties of renewable, low density,
environmentally friendly, low cost, high biodegradability and performance and
existence of vast resources. Table 2.3 shows the properties of hemp, flax, sisal
and jute fibers.

TABLE 2.3: PROPERTIES OF SELECTED NATURAL FIBERS

Property Hemp Flax Sisal Jute

Density (g/cm³) 1.48 1.4 1.33 1.46

Modulus (GPa) 70 60-80 38 10-30

Tensile Strength (MPa) 550-900 800-1500 600-700 400-800

Elongation to failure (%) 1.6 1.2-1.6 2-3 1.8

Natural fibers in composite are defined as fibers from nature, without

undergoing any chemical and industrial process (Hanif, 2012). Natural fibers
are abundantly available in nature and can be used to reinforce polymers to
obtain light and strong materials. This is due to the composition of cellulose,
lignin, and hemicelluloses in most of natural fibers. The amount of cellulose,
lignin and hemicelluloses are known to be varying according to the species and
age of the plant.

12
The exact mechanisms and chemical nature of principal component of natural
fiber are still obscure and need further research (Mohanty, 2001). There is also
drawback for these charateristics which are natural fibers may be hydrophilic in
nature which decreases the compatibility with the hydrophobic polymeric
matrix (Seung- Hwan & Siqun, 2005).

Natural fibers’ components are cellulose microfibrils dispersed in an amorphous

matrix of lignin and hemicelluloses (Nabi & Jog, 1999). The cellulose content is
in range of 60-80 wt% and the lignin content is in range of 5-20 wt% depending
on the type of natural fiber. In addition, Natural fibers’ moisture content can be
up to 20 wt% (Malick, 2007). Figure 2.6 shows the structure of cellulose in
most natural fibers.

FIGURE 2.6: STRUCTURE OF CELLULOSE (MOHANTY, 2004)

Natural fibers are currently categorized as fast-growing reinforcement. This is

due to its characteristic of the most price-driven commodity composites which
have useable structural properties at relatively low cost. Other than that, the
increasing environmental consciousness awareness also has triggered the swift
towards the designation of materials by using the natural fibers (Mohanty et al.,
2001). Figure 2.2 shows the complex structural components of natural fiber-
reinforced polymer composite. The figure shows that there are many create
polymer composites which comprises of various types of fibers and fillers with
variety of natural fibers available and different types of matrix from the family
of thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers (Sapuan & Mutjaba, 2010).
13
 Matrix

PVC Epoxy
Discontinuous Continuous
Polycarbonate Polyester Polystyrene Phenolics Polypropylene
Melamine PET
Particle Short Unidirectional Woven
PEEK

EPOXY

Epoxy adhesives are widely used in industrial field due to their high strength
and mechanically adhesive characteristics. Their excellent bond characteristics
when used as adhesive are because epoxies shrink less than other materials (1.2-
4%). Compared to other polymer matrices, most epoxies can be formulated to
be less affected by water and heat (Ever, 2011).

Epoxy adhesives are also known polyepoxides which in the class of reactive
prepolymers and polymers which contain epoxide groups. The characteristics of
epoxy includes have good adhesion, mechanical properties, low moisture
absorption, chemical resistance, little shrinkage and ease of processing
(Sreekumar & Thomas, 2008). The applications of epoxy include coatings,
adhesives, electrical components, high tension electrical insulators and
composite materials. Figure 2.4 shows the chemical structure of epoxy.

FIGURE 2.8: CHEMICAL STRUCTURE OF EPOXY (WILLIAM AND

JAVAD, 2010)

14
 TABLE 2.4: TYPICAL PROPERTIES OF CAST EPOXY RESIN (AT
23ºC)

Properties Values

Density (g/cm³) 1.2-1.3

Tensile strength, MPa (psi) 55-130 (8,000-19,000)

Tensile modulus, GPa (106 psi) 2.75-4.10 (0.4-0.595)

Poisson’s ratio 0.2-0.33

Coefficient of thermal expansion, 10-6 m/m50-80 (28-44)

per ºC

(10-6in./in. per ºF)

Cure shrinkage, % 1-5

Source: P.K Malick, 2007

According to Malick, epoxy has the following advantages compare to other

thermoset matrices:

Wide variety of properties due to the availability of large number of starting

materials, curing agents and modifiers.

Absence of volatile matters during cure

Low shrinkage

Good resistance to chemicals and solvents

15
PROPERTIES OF BIO-COMPOSITE

The properties and behavior under tensile, compressive, shear and other static or
dynamic loading conditions in both normal and adverse test environment judge
the performance of an engineering material. To select the proper material in a
given applications as well as designing a structure with the selected materials,
this information in needed (Malick, 2007).

Materials properties are usually determined by conducting mechanical and

physical tests under controlled laboratory conditions. The physical and
mechanical properties of composites laminates are affected by the
environmental conditions such as elevated temperature or humidity. There are
varieties of universal standards provided by Professional societies such as
American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM), British standard (BS), JIS
standard and DIN standard provides testing are selected based on preferential
uses. Each standard contain a variety of test standards suitable for different
materials, dimensions and fabrication history.

Although there is some evidence that even thermoset matrix materials can yield
in shear, it is normal to assume that composites are linear elastic up to the point
of failure (Jones & Pickett, 2005). Static mechanical properties such as tensile,
compressive, flexural and shear properties of a material are the basic design data
in most applications.

16
TENSILE

A tensile test is the most fundamental type of mechanical test that are being
perform on material which is also known as tension test. According to Stephan
(2010), tensile tests are basic for understanding properties of different materials,
and how they will behave under load. Tensile properties such as tensile strength,
tensile modulus and Poisson’s ratio of flat composite laminates are determined
by static tension tests in accordance with ASTM D3039 (Malick, 2007). At its
end, the tensile specimen is straight sided and has a constant cross section with
bevelled tabs adhesively bonded.

Tensile test is carried out when a longitudinal or axial load is applied at a

specific extension rate to a standard tensile specimen with known dimensions
(gauge length and cross sectional area perpendicular to the load direction) till
failure. During the test, the applied tensile load and extension are recorded for
the calculation of stress and strain.

Sreekumar et al. (2008) reported 40 % volume fraction to show maximum

tensile strength after the investigation on the effect of fiber content in polyester
composites. Henequen, palm and sisal fibre all have nearly the same kind of
tensile, chemical and physical properties as reported by Belmares et al. (1983)
and Pothan et al. (1997) researched on reinforced polyester composites with
short banana fiber.

17
COMPRESSION

The most performance measure used by the engineer in designing buildings and
other structures is to test the compressive strength of the material such as
composite and concrete. Fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composite has higher
stiffness and strength to weight ratios monolithic structural materials
(Kyriakides et al., 1997). A number of test

methods and specimen designs have been developed to overcome the buckling
problem (Whitney et al., 1984).

The first ASTM standard test developed for testing fiber-reinforced composites
in compression is Celanese test; however it is no longer a standard test due to its
several deficiencies. It employs a straight-sided specimen with tabs bonded at
its ends and 10º tapered collect-type grips that fit into sleeves with a matching
inner taper. To ease of assembly and alignment, an outer cylindrical shell was
used. The grip on the specimen tightens and the gage section of specimen is
compressed by the frictional forces transmitted through the end tabs as the
compressive load is applied. Measurement of longitudinal and transverse strain
data of compressive modulus and Poisson’s ratio are determined as the strain
gages are mounted in the gage section (Malick, 2007).

Then, Illinois Institute of Technology Research Institute developed the IITRI

test and was adopted as a standard compression test for fiber-reinforced
composites (ASTM D3410). It differs with Celanese test that it uses flat wedge
grips instead of conical wedge grips. Flat wedge provide a better contact
between the wedge and collet and improve the axial alignment. In addition, flat
wedge grips can accommodate variation specimen thickness (Malick, 2007).

18
BENDING

The knowledge of the bending behavior would give more accurate simulation of
forming especially for stiff and thick fabrics like composite. Wang et al. (2007)
demonstrated the relative importance of bending behavior during composites
forming by comparing bending and shear energies in case of viscous
composites. There are two standard tests are usually used to characterize the
bending behavior. The first current cantilever test is based on an elastic linear
model and a tilted plane making a fixed angle enabling to calculate the constant
bending rigidity will form its commercial equivalent. The second is the KES-FB
tester, used for inadequate if not impossible for stiff and thick reinforcements
which enables to quantify bending properties for more complicated models
(Bilbao et al., 200

APPARATUS

BANANA FIBRE

19
 EPOXY RISN

MOLDEN BOX & PRESS

20
GLOVES

21
 CHAPTER 3

MATERIALS AND METHODS

MATERIALS

The materials that were used in this study are banana fibers and epoxy adhesive
to produce the bio-composites.

BANANA FIBERS

Banana fibers were separated from the banana stems that were collected at
certain banana farms nearby UMK Jeli. In this research the total numbers of ten
banana stems from the species of Musa selenium were used. The banana farm
was chosen due to the species and mass plantation for agriculture purpose. The
banana stems that have been collected were cut into the same length and size
with random ages.

FIGURE 3.1: BANANA TREES FROM CERTAIN BANANA FARMS

22
ADHESIVES

The adhesive that was used as the hardener was epoxy. Epoxy was the common
adhesives that are used for wood bonding especially for furniture construction.
The adhesive have the characteristics of does not require heat cure to bond
composite together.

BANANA STEMS PREPARATION

A total number of ten banana stems with same size and length approximately
240cm were collected at the banana farm at Jeli, Kelantan. The species that
were identified was in the Musa species family. The banana was cut into 3
portions; top, middle and top.

FIGURE 3.2: COLLECTIONS OF BANANA STEMS

23
FIGURE 3.3: DIVIDING BANANA STEM INTO THREE PORTIONS

PRE-TREATMENT OF BANANA STEMS

The banana stems were soaked in the fresh water tanks near the laboratories in
Universities Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli Campus. The banana stems were soaked
for 2 weeks.

FIGURE 3.4: PRE-TREATMENT OF BANANA STEMS

24
COMPRESSED OF BANANA STEMS INTO BANANA FIBERS

Prior to the banana stems was separated by using the compress machine, they
were divided and marked to three portion which were top, middle and bottom
portion. The stems were carefully separated according to the portion and
producing banana fibers. The separation of banana fibers took placed in the
workshop in Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli Campus.

AIR DRYING OF BANANA FIBERS

All the compressed banana fibers were air dried under the sun for at least one
day. This air drying mainly to enhance their durability against fungi and insects
attacks.

FIGURE 3.5: AIR DRYING OF BANANA FIBERS

25
BEFORE MOLDEN PROCESS

26
FORMED OBJECT

27
FABRICATION OF BANANA FIBER COMPOSITE

The banana fibers that have been divided according to the banana stems portion
then will become the reinforcement for a type of resin which was epoxy. The
banana fibers and the adhesives will be compressed together using the cold
press method. The process of preparation of the composite will take about a
week due to the cold-setting adhesives. Equation 3.1 shows tulation of the
compressed banana fibers composite preparations.

Composite weight (kg) = Target density x volume of mold Equation 3.1

= (650)(0.35x0.35x0.02)

= 1.5925 kg

Weight of epoxy (kg) = x 1.5925

= 0.3185 kg

Weight of Banana Fibers (kg) = x 1.5925

= 1.274 kg

28
where,

Percetage of epoxy (%) = 20 Percentage of banana fibers (%) = 80 Target

density (kg/m3) = 650

Volume of mold (cm3) = 35 x 35 x 2

Physical Properties of Compressed Banana Fibers

The testing for moisture content and basic density of the banana fibers were
done in the Wood Laboratory in Universiti Malaysia Kelantan Jeli Campus.

29
MOISTURE CONTENT

The banana fibers were cut at size of 20mm x 40mm for each portion (top,
middle and bottom) and were weighted by using the analytical balance. The
samples were then being put in the oven for 24 hours at 101ºC-105ºC. After 24
hours, the samples were weighted and the moisture content was calculated by
using Equation 3.2.

Moisture Content (%) = Equation 3.2

FIGURE 3.7: SAMPLES BEFORE OVEN DRIED

30
BASIC DENSITY

The banana fibers were cut at size of 20mm x 40mm for each portion (top,
middle and bottom). The samples were then being put in the oven for 24 hours
at 101ºC-105ºC. The samples were weighted after 24 hours and the basic
density was calculated by using Equation 3.3.

Basic Density, ρ (g/cm³)= Equation 3.3

Where,

m = oven dry mass (g)

v = Volume of the banana fiber (cm³)

31
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF COMPRESSED BANANA FIBERS
COMPOSITE

The testing of bending, tensile and compression were tested on the prepared
compressed banana fiber composite. This evaluation was conducted according
to British Standard (BS 310:1993) standard (EN 319:1993, BS 373:2008 and
inhouse method). The testings were done at Forest Research Institute Malaysia
(FRIM) which is located at Kepong, Selangor.

STATIC BENDING STRENGTH

The static bending of composite will be determined by using Universal Testing

Machine. The dimensions of composite sample for static bending test will
accord to inhouse method for both modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus
of rupture (MOR). The specimen was supported on a span of 280 mm and the
force applied at the mid-span using a loading head. The tests stopped when the
samples start to break. The proportional limit with ultimate load and deflection
were recorded, the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR)
were calculated automatically by the computer connected to the machine. The
formula that were used to calculate MOE and MOR are expressed by the
Equation 3.4 and Equation 3.5.

32
Modulus of Elasticity,

MOE (N/mm2) = Equation 3.4

Modulus of Rupture,

MOR (N/mm2) = Equation 3.5

where,

p = load at proportional limit, (N) L = length of the test piece, (mm) b

= width of specimen, (mm)

h = depth of specimen, (mm)

∆ = deflection at proportional limit, (mm)

33
 Load
Sample

Figure 3.9: Static Bending Testing on Compressed Banana Fibers Composite

34
TENSILE STRENGTH

Static tensile strength properties of composite were determined by using

Universal Testing Machine (UTM) – LR10K, model 3 types via EN 319 test
method. Specimens were placed in the grips of the Instron at a specified grip
separation and pulled until failure. For ASTM D638 the test speed was
determined by the material specification. For EN319 the test speed was
typically 2.0 mm/min for measuring strength and elongation. An extensometer
was used to determine elongation and tensile modulus. Tensile modulus values
indicate the stiffness of the material. Instrument software were used to
automatically calculated and record the data. The results were presented in
terms of specific tensile strength using the formula showed by Equation 3.6.

Tensile Modulus of Elasticity (E) = Equation 3.6

where,

E = modulus of elasticity

1 = length of the rod

ρ = density

f = resonant frequency

k = radius of gyration of the rod about an axis normal to the rod axis and
plane of motion (d/4 for cylindrical rods)

j = a constant dependent on the mode of vibration.

35
COMPRESSION STRENGTH

This test was used for determining the modulus of elasticity, yield stress,
compressive strength, and the deformation beyond yield point. The compression
strength test was performed according to BS 373:2008 for modulus of rupture
(MOR) using a Universal Testing Machine. This test was done with a constant
rate of loading or constant rate of movement of the loading head of the machine
till the test piece is broken. Theresults were presented in terms of specific
compression strength using the formula showed by Equation 3.7.

Compression Strength (N/mm2) = Equation 3.7

where,

P = maximum load, (N)

a = width of specimen, (mm) b = depth of specimen, (mm)

36
 Load

Sample

FIGURE 3.10: COMPRESSION TESTING ON COMPRESSED BANANA

FIBER COMPOSITE

DATA ANALYSIS

The experimental data were calculated and analyzed using the statistical data
analysis for better interpretation and understanding of the banana fiber and
compressed banana fiber composite. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) were
carried out using STATGRAPHICS® Centurion XV 2005 software to support
the relative importance (ANOVA and correlation analysis) of the effects of the
study variables such as portions of the banana stems and types of adhesives on
compressed banana fiber composite mechanical properties. Significant
correlation between these properties will be determined

37
 Banana stems

Randomly taken from villagers farms surrounding Jeli

Stage 1 Dividing into three portions

Banana Fiber

Middle
Bottom into Compressed Top
Processing Banana Fiber Composite

Pre-treatment and compression

Using cold-setting adhesives

Epoxy
Stage 2
Compressed Banana Fiber Composite

Physical Properties Mechanical Properties Testing

Testing 1. Static bending Strength

1. Moisture Content 2. Tensile Strength
2. Density 3. Compression Strength

Analysis, evaluation and comparison of compressed banana fiber bio-

composite between portions

FIGURE 3.11: RESEARCH FRAME OF COMPRESSED BANANA

FIBER COMPOSITE

38
Note:

Stage 1: Material preparation (grouping specimen based on portions)

Stage 2: Manufacturing of Compressed Banana Fiber composites using a type

of adhesive Stage 3: Testing of Compressed Banana Fiber composites based on
standard testing (ISO) Stage 4: Analysis, evaluation and comparison of the
obtained experimental data

39
 CHAPTER 4

RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Physical Properties

Table 4.1 shows the average value of physical properties of compressed banana
fiber that was done in the wood laboratory at UMK.

Table 4.1: Average Value of Physical Properties of Compressed Banana Fiber

Portion Moisture Content (%) Density (g/cm2)

Bottom 93.53333 0.04335

Middle 95.01 0.0478

Top 95.78 0.0343

The result shown in Table 4.1 the average value of moisture content for banana
fibers for top is 93.53% and this is the lowest moisture content between the
three samples. For middle, the average moisture content value is 95.01 and it is
slightly different from bottom part of banana fiber which is 95.78%. It is
expected to get the result of higher water content at the top part of the banana
stem since plants take up water from the ground through the roots and went up
to the top part of the stem to allow transpiration process.
40
 96

95.5

Moisture Content (%)

95

94.5 Bottom

94
Middle
93.5 Top
93

92.5

92
Banana Portions

FIGURE 4.1: GRAPH OF AVERAGE VALUE OF MOISTURE

CONTENT (%) OF COMPRESSED BANANA FIBER

Based on Table 4.1 and Figure 4.1, the average density of banana fiber for top is
0.0343 g/cm2 and this is the lowest density between three samples. For middle,
the average density 0.0478 g/cm2 and it is slightly different from bottom portion
fiber which is 0.04335 g/cm2. There are differences between the density values
due to samples were cut in not a accurately fix sizes. According to the formula
of density, the volume of a material in divided by its mass. Mass is directly
dependent density, and it if the mass of a substance increases, its density
increases.

41
 0.06

0.05

Density (g/cm3)
Bottom
Middle
0.04
Top

0.01
0.03

Banana Portions
0
Figure 4.2: Graph of Average Value of Density of Compressed Banana Fiber
0.02

MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

Table 4.2 shows the mechanical properties of compressed banana fiber

composite that was done in Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM).

TABLE 4.2: AVERAGE VALUE OF MECHANICAL PROPERTIES

OF COMPRESSED BANANA FIBER COMPOSITE

Portion MOE (MPa) MOR Tensile Compression

(MPa) (MPa) (MPa)

Bottom 85.9 1.733 0.0063 0.685

Middle 25.495 0.682 0.0036 0.343

Top 15.843 0.645 0.0035 0.358

42
Bending properties was done by using inhouse method which mean that the
standard of dimension for this test was alter due to some change in samples. In
bending test, two properties of the compressed banana fiber composite were
determined. They were Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and Modulus of Rupture
(MOR).

43
Based on Table 4.2, the top and middle portion of compressed banana fiber
composite has adjacent average MOE values which are 15.843 MPa and 25.945
MPa each. While the average MOE value for banana fiber composite for bottom
portion is the highest this is 85.9 MPa. This is because the bottom portion
samples has a low deflection and not easily break during the bending testing of
the sample.

100

90

80

70
MOE (MPa)

60

50

40 Bottom Middle Top

30

20

10

Banana Portions

44
Figure 4.3: Graph of Average Value of Modulus of Elasticity of Compressed
Banana Fiber Composite

The average MOR value of top portion of compressed banana fiber composite as
shown in Table 4.2 is 0.645 MPa while 0.682 MPa for middle. The highest
average MOR value is the bottom portion banana fiber composite, which is
1.773 MPa. This shows that the fiber composite from bottom portion is able to
withstand a greater amount of force compare to other samples.

1.8

1.6
MOR (MPa)

1.4 Bottom
1.2
Middle
1 Top

0.8

0.6
Banana Portions
0.4

0.2
FIGURE 4.4: GRAPH OF AVERAGE VALUE OF MODULUS OF
0
RUPTURE (MPA) OF COMPRESSED BANANA FIBER COMPOSITE

Next, the result in Table 4.2 and Figure 4.5 shows that the highest average
tensile value for the three different samples of portion is the bottom portion,
with the value of

0.063 MPa. The average tensile value for top and middle are slightly different
with the value of 0.0035 MPa and 0.0036 MPa. The compressed banana fiber
composite from the top portion has a low tensile value because of the banana
45
fiber and resin does not stick closely with each other because of improper
compressed during the fabrication.

Next, the result in Table 4.2 and Figure 4.5 shows that the highest average
tensile value for the three different samples of portion is the bottom portion,
with the value of

0.063 MPa. The average tensile value for top and middle are slightly different
with the value of 0.0035 MPa and 0.0036 MPa. The compressed banana fiber
composite from the top portion has a low tensile value because of the banana
fiber and resin does not stick closely with each other because of improper
compressed during the fabrication process. It is the same for middle portion
because the average tensile value of these two portion is just 0.0001 different.

0.007

0.006
Tensile (MPa)

Bottom
0.005 Middle

0.002 Top

0.004

0.001
Banana Portions
0.003

0
FIGURE 4.5: GRAPH AVERAGE VALUE OF TENSILE (MPA) OF
COMPRESSED BANANA

FIBER COMPOSITE

46
 0.00
7

Tensile (MPa)
0.00
Botto
6
m
0.00 Middl
2
0.00 e
5
Banana Top
0.00
Portions
1
0.00
4
FIGURE 4.5: GRAPH AVERAGE VALUE OF TENSILE (MPA) OF
COMPRESSED BANANA 0
FIBER COMPOSITE
0.00
3

Result in Table 4.2 shows that bottom has the highest compression average
values between the three samples of banana fiber composite from different
portion. The value is 0.682 Mpa. Middle portion has the lowest average
compression value which is 0.343 MPa while for top portion; the value is 0.358
MPa. Compression test was done to know the capacity of the composite to
withstand load tending to reduce size. Hence, based on the result, bottom has
the highest capacity to withstand load compare to middle and top portion
compressed banana fiber composite.

Middle portion has the lowest compression value because during the
manufacturing of the composite, the resin was not properly being layered to
each layer of the banana fiber. In addition, it was observed the middle portion
banana fiber composite has absorbed a lot of air moisture during the
transporting process to the testing location.

47
 0.8

0.7

Compression (MPa)
0.6

0.5 Bottom
Middle
0.4

0.3 Top

0.2

0.1 Banana Portions

FIGURE 4.6: GRAPH OF AVERAGE VALUE OF COMPRESSION

(MPA) OF COMPRESSED BANANA

FIBER COMPOSITE

From the mechanical testing result, it is clearly seen that the compressed banana
fiber from the bottom portion of the banana stem fiber produce the highest
average value for majority of the tests. This is due to bottom plant of banana
part usually has a higher composition of lignocellulose which this lignocellulose
provide a strong and good fiber. Each layer of the banana fiber has the lumen
that is composed of cellulose embedded in a matrix of hemicellulose and lignin,
a structure that is analogous to that of artificial fiber reinforced composites
(Nishino, 2004). Other than that, during the production of the compressed
banana fiber composite, the fabrication of composite for top portion is neatly
and properly done. It was being compressed tightly and the adhesive was spread
through the surfaces of the composite.

48
Analysis of Variance for Physical and Mechanical Properties of Compressed
Banana Fiber Composite

Table 4.3 shows the ANOVA table for physical properties of compressed
banana fiber and mechanical properties for compressed banana fiber composite.

TABLE 4.3 ANOVA TABLE FOR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF

COMPRESSED BANANA FIBER AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
FOR COMPRESSED BANANA FIBER COMPOSITE.

Independent Dependent Sum of Df Mean Square F-Ratio

Variable Variable Squares

Moisture Content 7.84109 2 3.92054 17.63*

Portion Density 0.000280432 2 0.000140216 5.10ns

MOE 8650.1 2 4325.05 6.58ns

MOR 2.29182 2 1.14591 7.65*

Tensile 0.0000215556 2 0.0000107778 24.25**

Compression 0.224326 2 0.112163 7.52*

Note: * significant value at P<0.05

** significant value at P<0.01

Com= Compression
49
* significant value at P<0.05

** significant value at P<0.01

Table 4.4 shows Pearson product moment correlations between each pair of
variables. These correlation coefficients range between -1 and +1 and measure
the strength of the linear relationship between the variables. The third number in
each location of the table is a P-value which tests the statistical significance of
the estimated correlations. P-values below 0.05 indicate statistically significant
non-zero correlations at the 95.0% confidence level.

Based 4.4, it shows that there were eight pair of variables where the
correlation, rare close to -0.70. Hence, these eight pairs of variable have a
strong downhill (negative) linear relationship. Next, there were three pair of
variables where the correlation, r are close to +0.50. These three pairs of
variables have a moderate uphill (positive) relationship. Lastly, there were also
three pairs of variables where the correlation, r are close to +0.70. Hence, these
three pairs of variable have a strong uphill (positive) linear relationship.

50
 CHAPTER 5

CONCLUSION AND FUTURE WORK

CONCLUSION

The Compressed Banana Fiber Composite has been produced successfully by

using the cold-setting adhesive method. Bending (flexural), tensile (internal
bond), compression, moisture content and density are the most important
properties to be considered in production of a fiber-reinforced composite. Based
on the result, it shows that the compressed banana fiber composite from the
bottom part of fiber have the highest and strongest value of the mechanical and
physical properties among the three portion. Hence, it can be conclude that the
bottom part of the banana fiber is the most suitable part to produce a durable
fiber composite.

FUTURE WORK

Banana fiber is one of the natural fibers that have the potential to become
composite product such as fiber-reinforced composite. The use of raw materials
from non- wood materials to produce composite fibers indirectly help reduce
dependence on wood and timber industry.

To increase the understanding regarding the banana fibers and the compressed
fiber composite production, it is advisable to go through a further research to
explain all the uncertainties. It is suggested that during fabrication of the fiber
composite it is better to revise and reviews the standard that will be use and run
a compression method .

51
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