LAUSR

ABSTRACT In this study, fracture toughness test of short banana fibre-reinforced epoxy composites was carried out. The main interest of this study is to incorporate environmentally friendly biodegradable banana fibres in polymer composites to prove the potential of natural fibres. The short fibres from pseudo-stem part of the banana plant were used to prepare composites. The composite samples were prepared using both alkali-treated and untreated banana fibres. Laminates were prepared from vacuum moulding technique. The effects of alkali-treated fibres on untreated were studied. Since polymer composites are used in many structural applications, these materials because of defects which material failure. The better understanding of material behaviour due to crack growth studies on fracture is essential. In this study, banana fibre-reinforced epoxy composites are developed and their mechanical properties such as tensile strength, impact strength and fracture toughness are evaluated. The fibre matrix adhesion and internal surface of the fractured surfaces are studied by using a scanning electron microscope.