In the quest for sustainable and high-performance materials, a recent study led by Lamrot Kebede Kassa from the Department of Mechanical Engineering has unveiled promising advancements in the realm of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Published in the *Advances in Materials Science and Engineering* (which translates to *Advances in Materials Science and Engineering* in English), this research could significantly impact industries like automotive and aerospace, where lightweight and eco-friendly materials are in high demand.
The study focuses on polyester-based composites reinforced with banana fibers and nano alumina (Al2O3) powder. Kassa and his team explored various fabrication parameters to optimize the mechanical properties of these composites. “The challenge has always been to identify the optimal conditions for fabricating these composites,” Kassa explained. “Our goal was to find the right balance between fiber length, NaOH treatment, fiber content, and filler content to achieve the best possible mechanical properties.”
The researchers employed a simple hand lay-up method to create the composites, using banana fibers of different lengths (10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm) and treating them with NaOH solutions at concentrations of 0%, 2.5%, and 5%. They produced nine composite samples by varying the weight percentages of banana fiber (10%, 15%, and 20%) and nano alumina (2 wt%, 4 wt%, and 6 wt%).
One of the key findings was the optimal combination that achieved a tensile strength of 61.7 MPa, a flexural strength of 108.47 MPa, and an impact strength of 19 J. This was accomplished with 15 wt% fiber content, 2 wt% nano alumina, 15 mm fiber length, and 5% alkali treatment. “These results are quite promising,” Kassa noted. “They demonstrate the potential of banana fiber-reinforced polyester composites as a viable alternative to traditional materials.”
The study also revealed that the maximum hardness value of 164 HV was recorded for a composite with 20 mm untreated fiber, 15 wt% fiber loading, and 4 wt% nano alumina. Additionally, the lowest water absorption rate (2.97%) was observed with 10 wt% fiber loading, 6 wt% nano alumina, 20 mm fiber length, and 5% NaOH treatment.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As industries increasingly seek sustainable and lightweight materials, the findings from Kassa’s study could pave the way for innovative applications in the automotive and aerospace sectors. “The potential is enormous,” Kassa said. “By optimizing these parameters, we can develop materials that are not only eco-friendly but also meet the high-performance demands of various industries.”
This research not only contributes to the development of sustainable composite materials but also highlights the importance of understanding the interplay between different fabrication parameters. As the world continues to move towards greener technologies, studies like this one will be crucial in shaping the future of materials science and engineering.