International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 09 | Sep 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
INVESTIGATING THE THERMO - MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF BANANA AND KENAF HYBRID NATURAL COMPOSITE Ramesh.A1, Karthikraja.S2, Ravichandran.P3 1-2Lecturer, Department of mechanical Engineering, Annai JKK Sampoorani Ammal Polytechnic College,
Tamil nadu, India
3 Head of the department, Department of mechanical Engineering, Annai JKK Sampoorani Ammal Polytechnic
College, Tamil nadu, India ---------------------------------------------------------------------***--------------------------------------------------------------------composites exhibit improved mechanical and thermal Abstract
properties when combined with appropriate resin systems, making them ideal for automotive parts and construction materials. These attributes make Kenaf fiber suitable for applications requiring strength and lightweight properties. Banana fiber, obtained from the pseudo-stem of the banana plant, is valued for its impressive tensile strength, resilience, and ability to absorb energy effectively. Banana fiberreinforced composites show notable improvements in mechanical performance, particularly in impact resistance and energy absorption, due to their inherent flexibility and toughness. The combination of these two natural fibers in hybrid composites has gained attention due to their complementary mechanical characteristics, which enhance overall performance in applications such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and packaging industries.
This project investigates the thermo-mechanical behaviour of hybrid composites made from Banana and Kenaf fibers, two natural reinforcements recognized for their lightweight, biodegradable, and strong properties. These fibers present an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers in composite materials. Composite samples were made using different fiber combinations and tested for thermal stability, strength, and heat resistance. The performance of the composite materials was evaluated through tensile, compressive, impact, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) tests. These findings suggest that with careful optimization, Banana and Kenaf fiber-based composites can provide sustainable, highperformance materials suitable for applications in industries such as automotive, and electronics, contributing to ecofriendly manufacturing practices.
The adoption of Banana and Kenaf fibers in composite materials offers substantial environmental benefits. Since these plants are fast-growing and require minimal resources for cultivation, their use contributes to reducing the carbon footprint associated with composite manufacturing. Furthermore, Banana and Kenaf fibers are biodegradable, which minimizes waste accumulation and supports the circular economy. Compared to synthetic fibers derived from petrochemicals, the production of these natural fibers demands less energy and generates fewer emissions, making them a more environmentally sustainable alternative. Kenaf fibers' cultivation consumes less water and energy than traditional synthetic fiber production, reinforcing their ecofriendly advantages. This project aims to investigate the thermo-mechanical behaviour of Kenaf and Banana fiberreinforced hybrid composites by examining various influencing factors such as fiber treatment, fiber orientation, and fiber volume fraction. These factors are crucial in determining the mechanical performance of the composite, particularly in areas like tensile strength, flexural strength, impact resistance, and hardness. A comprehensive evaluation of these mechanical properties will provide insights into the composite's ability to withstand stress, deformation, and environmental conditions.
Key Words: Banana fiber,Kenaf fiber, natural fibers, impact resistance, environmental sustainability, thermo - mechanical behaviour,thermal stability, strength and heat resistance, fiberreinforced composites, mechanical properties.
1. INTRODUCTION In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on developing sustainable and eco-friendly materials that align with global environmental initiatives. One promising avenue in this pursuit is the use of natural fibers such as Banana and Kenaf in composite materials. These fibers are renewable, biodegradable, and possess unique mechanical properties that make them attractive as reinforcement materials in composites. By incorporating these natural fibers, industries can reduce their reliance on synthetic fibers, which are often non-biodegradable, resource-intensive to produce, and contribute significantly to environmental pollution. Banana and Kenaf fibers have shown immense potential in reinforcing composite materials. Kenaf, a best fiber extracted from the Hibiscus cannabinus plant, is well known for its remarkable mechanical properties such as high tensile strength, excellent durability, and impressive dimensional stability. Kenaf fiber offers outstanding thermal stability, which enhances the composite's resistance to heat and environmental factors. The Kenaf fiber-reinforced
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Additionally, this study will assess the thermal stability, thermal conductivity, and heat resistance characteristics of these hybrid composites, which are essential for applications exposed to fluctuating temperatures and thermal stress. The
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