Investigation of interfacial bonding in banana fiber-reinforced composites : ascribing global economic value to unique renewable resources in developing countries.

Natural fibers have increased in popularity in the polymer composite industry, due to the steady rise of consumer pressure for biodegradable and environmentally-friendly products. However, the organic nature of these natural fibers causes poor interfacial bonding with the majority of thermoplastic polymers. As a result, the benefits of the increased composite stiffness and strength are greatly reduced. In order to increase this interfacial bonding, a variety of surface and chemical treatments have been explored, including fiber treatments such as alkaline and silane treatments as well as polymer additives such as maleic anhydride. This study seeks to compare the effectiveness of these treatments on the interfacial bonding as well as their effect on the mechanical properties of the fiber reinforced composite. Results reveal an increase in bonding and some benefit to the final composite properties for all treatments studied, though silane and maleic anhydride stand out as optimal treatment.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.M.E.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Baylor University.

Year dc:date.issued

2014

Author dc:creator

• Weed, Joshua D.

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Jordan, William Mark, 1950-

• Natural fiber-reinforced composites.
• Banana fiber.
• Interfacial bonding in thermoplastic composites.

Statement dc:rights

• Baylor University works are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. Contact libraryquestions@baylor.edu for inquiries about permission.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/2104/9195

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:baylor-ir.tdl.org:2104/9195