Manuscript Title:

EVALUATION OF TENSILE STRENGTH PARAMETERS OF BANANA POLYESTER COMPOSITES

Author:

B.E MEGHA, B.S KEERTHI GOWDA, G.L. EASWARA PRASAD

DOI Number:

DOI:10.5281/zenodo.10352356

Published : 2023-12-10

About the author(s)

1. B.E MEGHA - Research Scholar, MITE, Moodbidri, India.
2. B.S KEERTHI GOWDA - Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering VTU CPGS, Mysuru, India.
3. G.L. EASWARA PRASAD - Guide and Principal, MITE, Moodbidri, India.

Full Text : PDF

Abstract

Usually Composites are manufactured using synthetic Fibers; in recent times natural fibers are deployed in the manufacture of composites since they are economical, locally accessible and bio-degradable. Water absorption by these fibers and weaker bondage between matrix phase and natural fibers results in the reduction of the strength of the composites. Therefore, alkali treatment for these fibers makes modifications on its surface which improve their mechanical properties. In the present study, fabrication of 3 mm and 5 mm thick banana polyester composites is done using compression moulding process to analyse their the tensile strength parameters. Tensile strength characteristics of 5%,10% and 15% NaOH treated banana fiber polyester composites are studied. In the present study of composites, the soaking period of NaOH treatment was adapted from 3 to 15 hours. A decrease in tensile strength was observed as the soaking period was increased. The composites fabricated with 25% Fiber volume fractions with 5% of NaOH treatment for 3 hours of soaking period exhibited peak Tensile Strength. These composites are very much suitable to use as alternative Building Materials, passengers seats in railway coaches and automobile doors. ANN approach provides an alternate solution for prediction of properties by utilizing minimum of
experimental data. Hence in the present study, ANN weighted matrix adopted has given good results with low error as compared to experimental results.


Keywords

Natural Fiber, ANN, Material Charcterization, Alkali Treatment, Polymer, Mechanical Strength.