Physical, mechanical and thermal properties of high frequency microwave treated plantain (Musa Paradisiaca) fibre/MWCNT hybrid epoxy nanocomposites

Natural fibre reinforced polymer composite has many industrial applications especially in automobile. However low mechanical and thermal property has limited its application. In this study, natural fibre reinforced hybrid nanocomposite was manufactured by the incorporation of high frequency microwave treated Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) fibre and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) using a single epoxy resin matrix. The consequence of harmonized existence of MWCNT at different loading (0.5−2wt.%) on the physical, mechanical and thermal Properties of the hybrid nanocomposite was examined, using the ultrasonic technique for dispersion of nanoparticles and hand lay-up and compression moulding process for composite production. The experimental results demonstrate that the mechanical properties strength improve up to 52%, while up to 30% improvement was recorded for micro-hardness and impact strength, caused by increment in MWCNT content. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis reveals good mechanical dovetailing of hybrid fibres with polymer matrix. Thermal conductivity has shown significant improvement up to 43% as MWCNT contents increases. These enhancements are primarily ascribed to the high aspect ratio, high modulus, strength and good dispersal of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in the hybrid nanocomposites.