DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v28i3.11

Keywords: Hybrid Composites, natural microfiller, mechanical and morphological properties, structural applications

Abstract

This study focused on the fabrication of composite materials by combining banana and sisal fibers and adding fillers, such as epoxy resin and Barium Sulfate (BS). The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of various filler weight percentages on the material strength and flexibility. The composites were fabricated with different weight percentages using the hand lay-up method, and mechanical and flexural tests were conducted in accordance with the ASTM standard. Additionally, field emission scanning electron microscopy of the broken surface of the composite was performed to determine the amount of fiber–matrix interaction and filler dispersion and to identify stability. Water absorption tests were conducted to evaluate environmental stability. The results suggested that the addition of BS resulted in increased load transfer and stiffness rather than strength, and the composites with moderate filler contents displayed superior flexural behavior and stronger impact resistance. Furthermore, higher filler contents produced particle agglomeration and, thus, the creation of microvoids, which led to worse performance. It was also observed that there was a gradual increase in the mechanical properties when fillers were added up to 6 wt%. The TS increased by 23.21%, and the FS increased by 18.91%. Finally, the addition of fillers to the composite made from banana and sisal fibers produced better properties and can be used as biodegradable materials.