International Research Journal of Education and Technology

The demand for sustainable and lightweight materials in the automotive industry has led to increased interest in natural fiber composites as alternatives to synthetic, petroleum-based materials. This study explores the development and evaluation of a banana fiber composite, reinforced with 30% cotton fiber and bonded with polyester resin, for potential use in automotive components. Banana fiber, sourced from the pseudo stem of banana plants, is an abundant, biodegradable material with high tensile strength and flexibility, making it suitable for eco-friendly applications. Blending banana fiber with cotton enhances its toughness, flexibility, and impact resistance, while polyester resin provides structural support and effective fiber-matrix adhesion.

The composite was fabricated using the compression molding technique to ensure a uniform fiber distribution and a good surface finish. Key mechanical properties, including tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance, were tested to assess the composite’s loadbearing capacity and resilience under bending and impact forces. Additionally, thermal analysis was conducted to evaluate the composite's stability under high temperatures, which is essential for automotive applications that require durability in varying temperature conditions. Water absorption tests were performed to determine the material’s resistance to moisture, a crucial factor for longevity in humid environments.

Results indicate that the banana fiber-cotton blend composite exhibits satisfactory mechanical properties, particularly in terms of strength-to-weight ratio, impact resistance, and thermal stability. Comparisons with conventional glass fiber composites suggest that banana fiber composites offer comparable performance with the added benefit of being lightweight and biodegradable. This study supports the potential of banana fiber composites as a viable alternative in the automotive industry, contributing to reduced environmental impact by minimizing the reliance on non- renewable resources. Further research into large-scale production and material optimization is recommended to facilitate the integration of natural fiber composites in automotive manufacturing.

Key Words: Sustainable materials, Natural fiber composites, Banana fiber, Cotton fiber, Polyester resin, Compression molding, Mechanical properties, Tensile strength, Flexural strength, Impact resistance, Biodegradability.