Nanoclay infused banana fiber and its effects on mechanical and thermal properties of composites.

The objective of this work is to infuse nanoclay particles into the banana fiber and study the morphological and structural characteristics. Nanoclays were infused into the fibers by shear induced force with the aid of alkaline (NaOH) chemical treatment. About 6 wt.% of nanoclays were infused into the banana fibers by this method. The short banana fiber reinforced epoxy composites were prepared by resin casting method in which the critical length (lc) and critical volume fraction (Vfc) of the fibers were determined. The nanoclay infused fibers were compared with untreated and alkaline treated fibers. The result suggests a positive effect on tensile, interfacial, and thermal properties of fibers due to nanoclay infusion. The tensile, shear, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) of composites were studied, and the result shows superior improvement of these properties in nanoclay infused fiber composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]