Journal of Materials and Engineering Structures (Dec 2019)

Effect of Chemically Modified Banana Fibers on the Mechanical Properties of Poly-Dimethyl-Siloxane-Based Composites

  • Yiporo DANYUO,
  • Taiwo ZAKARIYYAH,
  • Suleman NASIRU,
  • Kabiru MUSTAPHA,
  • Tahiru S. AZEKO,
  • Sefiu A. BELLO,
  • Miriam ABADE-ABUGRE,
  • John YIRIJOR,
  • Victor ANYIDOHO,
  • Fred McBAGONLURI

Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 4
pp. 547 – 563

Abstract

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The study presents the mechanical properties of polymer-based composites reinforced with chemically modified banana fibers, by alkalization in different concentrations of sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The fiber weight fraction has a great effect on the mechanical properties of the composites. Stiff composites were obtained at 6 wt% fiber fractions with Young’s modulus of 254.00 ±12.70 MPa. Moreover, the yield strength was 35.70 ±1.79 MPa at 6 wt% fiber fractions. However, the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and toughness of the composites were obtained at 5 wt% fiber fractions. Statistical analyses were used to ascertain the significant different on the mechanical properties of the fibers and composites. The implication of the results is then discussed for potential applications of PDMS-based composites reinforced with chemically modified banana fibers.

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