Fabrication and Characterization of Banana Pseudostem Fibre Reinforced Epoxy Hybrid Composite Using Al2O3 as Filler

Natural fibre-reinforced composites are now becoming incredibly common in various products because of their comparable qualities to conventional materials. Due to its availability, superior mechanical qualities, and low cost, banana pseudostem is extensively used in various applications requiring natural fibres. This study investigates the physical and mechanical properties of epoxy composites reinforced with banana pseudostem fibres that contain Al2O3 particulate. In order to produce composites with fibre and filler loadings, manual hand layup was used. Fibre and filler loading effects on composite properties were studied in experiments. The results of the investigations demonstrate that proportion of Al2O3 in composites significantly influences their mechanical and physical properties. Additionally, the composite with a fibre content of 30% shows improved mechanical proportions and hardness. Thermogravimetric analysis was used to study the composite's thermal behaviour. Composites are more thermally stable than raw epoxy. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy analyses were used to characterize the composites.