Study of the Physical, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Banana Fiber Reinforced HDPE Composites

Natural fiber reinforced composite materials are replacing the conventional materials, owing to their excellent physical, mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. Also they increase biodegradability, reduce cost and decrease environmental pollution and hazards. In this study, obsolete high density polyethylene (HDPE) has used as polymer matrix and banana fiber as reinforcement material. Composites (5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of fiber contents) were made by hot press molding method by using Paul-Otto Weber Hydraulic press machine. The physical, mechanical and thermal properties of banana fiber-HDPE composites were studied and investigated the increment or decrement nature of different properties due to addition of banana fiber in BF-HDPE composites. The bulk density of composites increased with the increase wt. (%) of fiber content in composites. Water absorption ability of banana fiber and BF-HDPE composites also increased with the increase of wt. (%) of fiber content in composites and with socking time. Tensile strength of the BF-HDPE composites increased with the increase of fiber content in both cases (continuous aligned fiber orientation and continuous bidirectional fiber orientation). Moreover, the tensile strength of BF-HDPE composites with continuous aligned fiber orientation was greater than that of continuous bidirectional fiber orientation. At first, the flexural strength increased for 5% BF-HDPE composites then the value decreased for other higher compositions. The flexural strength of continuous aligned fiber orientation was slightly greater than that of continuous bidirectional fiber orientation and composite with 5% banana fiber showed better flexural properties than others. Leeb’s rebound hardness decreased with the increase of fiber addition. Different thermal properties like TG/DTG, DTA of the obsolete HDPE and BF-HDPE composites were studied using thermo gravimetric analyzer and it was found that composite with 20% fiber content was more thermally stable than three other compositions.


Introduction
Composite materials are the material produced by the combination of two or more individually different materials which show superior properties from their constituent materials. The constituents of the substances work together to make the composite a superior material compared to the individual constituents. In recent years, composite materials are being widely used due to their excellent properties such as light weight, high strength, environment friendly applications, etc. [1]. In case of composite material, one or more discontinuous phase known as reinforcement is inserted in a continuous phase known as matrix. Reinforcement materials are harder and stronger than matrix. Usually matrix materials are metallic, polymeric or ceramic. Reinforcement material can be fiber or particle and also fiber can be synthetic or natural. The strong fibers are bounded by a fragile matrix material. As the reinforcement is generally much stronger and stiffer than the matrix so it gives the composites different good properties. This is because the reinforcements are usually discontinuous, the matrix helps to transfer load among the reinforcement.
In case of structural and engineering materials, fiber reinforced composites have been broadly used from recent few decades. To produce fiber reinforced polymer composite synthetic or natural fiber used as discontinuous phase and polymer used as continuous phase, common synthetic fiber like glass, carbon, aramid has been often used in aerospace industries due to their low density, high stiffness and high strength properties [2] [3]. Although synthetic fiber possesses some very good properties, they are not good enough for biodegradability, recyclability, initial processing cost and health hazards compared to natural fiber [3]. In that case natural fibers are a promising candidate to replace these synthetic fibers for environmental concern. Natural fibers like jute, banana, sisal, hemp etc. show some fascinating properties such as lightweight, environmental friendly, low cost, high flexibility, renewability, high specific strength, biodegradability, high toughness, and easy processing [4] [5] [6] [7]. Recently various types of natural fibers such as palm, wood, bamboo, sugarcane, banana etc. have been studied for using in plastic [8]. Different types of cellulosic fiber such as sisal, coir, jute, bamboo etc. have already been used in various thermosetting and thermoplastic resins [9]- [15].
Plastic product is being a very essential part in our everyday life which making huge plastic waste. So it is very important to solve this plastic waste problem by proper scientific research and to make environment friendly composite material for our everyday usage which is simply bio assimilated and bio degradable [16]. Natural fibers show good specific strength, economic viability, low density, superior energy recovery and good biodegradability which make it better candidate over glass fiber in composite material industry [17]. For that reason, natural fiber-reinforced composites have drawn much more attention for engineering, automobile, infrastructure, aerospace and other cutting edge technology [18]. Various properties of natural fiber-reinforced composites have already been investigated by a lot of research group all over the world. A study was done by R.
Chianelli et al. on mechanical characterization of thermo-mechanical recycling of composites based on recycled HDPE from post-consumed motor-oil plastic containers as matrix and sisal fibers as reinforcement [19]. The sisal fibers do not contribute to increase tensile strength. As fiber content increases, loss of ductility is observed. Ibrahim et al. carried out an investigation on Lignocellulosic composites by using various types of adhesives [20]. Best mechanical properties were found for the incorporation of sawdust-urea-formaldehyde resin into banana fiber and proper adhesion-fiber interaction is believed to the reason for the performance. Woven natural fiber reinforced unsaturated polyester resin composites were studied by Rafia Akter and her co-workers [8]. Woven natural fiber reinforced polymer composites consisting of Pati bet also known as murta (Clinogynedichotoma) reinforcement, unsaturated polyester resin (UPR) matrix and talc filler were fabricated by simple cold press molding. It was observed that flexural strength and modulus increased with an increase in talc content. Thermal stabilities of composites were also improved. Mubarak A. Khan et al. found that the fiber loading greatly influenced thermal stability of the resulting composites and the 50 mass % jute containing composites possess excellent thermal properties [21]. Eleftheria et al. found that while for lower hemp concentrations the compatibilizer further reduced the thermal stability of the composites, and for the highest concentration, it resulted in a notable enhancement [22]. Florin et al. studied the physical and thermal characteristics of some cellulose fabrics as reinforced materials for composite [23]. They found that the flax and hemp fibers show one main peak of degradation, while the jute fiber shows two peaks. This may be due to the different chemical composition of the fibers, namely the fact that the jute fiber has a much higher content in lignin, which makes the degradation to arise in more stages. Hatakeyama et al. performed the thermo-gravimetric study on wood powder-filled polyurethane composites derived from lignin and found that thermal decomposition of composites is in two stages. Naznin et al. showed that from TG analysis the urea addition in ST/PVA/Ac-based film increased the thermal decomposition, which indicates the lowering of thermal stability [24].
In the present research, obsolete High density polyethylene (HDPE) has been used which is one of the highly requested plastic in the world and common plastic waste. Also HDPE is thermoplastic polymer having low water absorption and high hardness and strength. Recycling is the best way for reduce plastic solid  [26]. In this research, banana fiber is used because banana fiber is a lignocellulosic fiber, which is obtained from the edible-fruit-bearing plant that grows abundantly everywhere in Bangladesh also all over the world, species Musa cavendishi and Musa sapientum [27]. The objective of the present study is to observe the physical (bulk density and water absorption) and the mechanical (tensile strength, flexural stress and Leeb's rebound hardness) properties also the effect of fiber loading (mass% of fiber) in Banana Fiber-HDPE composites on thermal properties (TG-DTG, and DTA) using thermogravimetric analyzer.

Sample Collection
Banana fibers were collected from banana trees grown at local area of Savar near Dhaka in Bangladesh. The fibers were mainly collected from the stem of the tree. The stems were cut from the banana tree and chopped into 6 -8 cm in length.
Chopped stems were kept in water for 20 days. After that the rotten materials were washed and fibers were collected as shown in Figure 1(a) and dried under sunlight. Then the fibers were kept at 50˚C for 24 hours for partial removal of moisture. Obsolete HDPE was collected as the plastic bottles (called gallon bottles in US) from local market of old Dhaka in Bangladesh as shown in Figure  1(b) [28].

Composite Preparation
At first the banana fiber was cut into 5 cm length in size. These fibers were dried at 50˚C in dryer for 24 hours. The obsolete HDPE gallon bottles were cut into 5 cm × 5 cm in size. The banana fiber and HDPE were put into Paul-Otto Weber Hydraulic press machine. A typical mold employed for compression molding. The mold is made of two halves-the upper and the lower halves. In this case, the lower half contains a cavity when the mold is closed. The gap between the projected upper half and the cavity in the lower one gives the shape of the molded composite. As the cavity was 5 cm × 5 cm the composite found was as that size. The fiber and HDPE was heated at 160˚C and compressed at pressure 80 KN in the mold. After completion of heating, the mold was allowed to cool down. When cooling was completed the cold mold was then demolded by hand and it became composite. Four sets of composites samples (with 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% fiber content) were prepared to carry out this research.

Physical Properties of the Composites 1) Bulk Density of Composites
The bulk density of the composite materials have determined according to ASTM C134-76 by measuring the weight and dimensions of the respective samples using Equation (1) [29].
Bulk density, where, W t = Weight of the sample, L = Length of the sample, W = Width of the sample, H = Height of the sample.

2) Water Absorption Property of Banana Fiber and Composites
Water absorption test was carried out according to ASTM D570-98 [30]. Water absorption ability of banana fiber was measured by soaking the fiber in a glass beaker and banana fiber-HDPE (BF-HDPE) composites was measured by soaking the samples in four glass beakers (for 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) of water at 25˚C for different time periods (up to 168 hours). The weight of the samples was determined before ablution of the sample in water. After certain periods of time as 1, 2, 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours, samples were taken out of the water, wiped the samples using tissue paper and then measured the weight. The water uptake (mass gained) was determined as the difference of initial weight from final weight. The water soaking percentage was determined by using the following where W a and W o are the weight of the sample after and before soaking in water. Flexural strength also measured by the same apparatus [33]. All the samples were kept at 50˚C for 24 hours before testing.

Thermogravimetric and Differential Thermal Analysis (TG-DTA)
Thermo-gravimetric (TG) analysis is a process in which variations in physical and chemical properties of materials are determined as a function of temperature [35]. Physical properties such as second-order phase transitions, sublimation, absorption and desorption etc. and chemical phenomena such as chemisorptions, desolvation, decomposition, solid-gas reactions etc. can be investigated by (TG) analysis [35]. Differential thermal analysis (DTA) is a thermo-analytic technique where the material under study and an inert reference are made to undergo identical thermal cycles, while recording any temperature difference between sample and reference [36]. This differential temperature is then plotted against time, or against temperature. Changes in the sample can be detected relative to the inert reference. Then DTA curve delivers data on the changes that have occurred such as crystallization, melting, sublimation, etc.

Bulk Density of Composites
The effect of addition of different wt. (%) of banana fiber on bulk density in BF-HDPE composites with continuous aligned fiber orientation samples is shown in Figure 2. The bulk density of the composites increased with the increase of fiber addition in the samples. As fiber density is higher than HDPE, so the density of composite increased.

Water Absorption of Banana Fiber
Average water absorption ability of banana fiber samples with respect to soaking time is shown in Figure 3. The water absorption curve shows that with the increase of soaking time water absorption increases. The initial rate is faster, but as time elapsed it becomes slower. After first hour fiber absorbs 40.08% of water of its total increase. Water absorption increases with the soaking time up to 24 hours. After 24 hours the absorption rate of water content tends to become steady as time passes. It is known that banana fiber contains 65% cellulose and it is hydrophilic in nature. Hydrogen bond occurs between the free hydroxyl groups of the cellulosic molecules with water molecule for the increase of soaking rate [36]. between the free hydroxyl groups of the cellulosic molecules with water molecule [36]. Water absorption rate is very fast within the initial 24 hours and then the absorption rate becomes almost steady. At later time composites reached a constant water uptake beyond which water exists as free water in the void structure and does not contribute to further expansion [37]. In two different fiber orientation samples were made for this research (continuous aligned fiber orientation

Tensile Strength of BF-HDPE Composites
The effect of addition of banana fiber on tensile strength in BF-HDPE composites is shown in Figure 5, in which continuous aligned fiber orientation and continuous bidirectional fiber orientation is presented in Figure 5(b) and Figure 5(a), respectively. In each case of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% banana fiber-HDPE composite samples, total ten samples were taken for tensile strength calculation. These figures reveal that tensile strength of the BF-HDPE composites increases with the increase of fiber content in both orientation of fiber in composites. The results are summarized in Table 1 for tensile strength and Young's modulus of two different fiber orientations. Moreover, a comparative study of the tensile strength of BF-HDPE composites with continuous aligned fiber orientation and continuous bidirectional fiber orientation shown in Figure 6. It is found from this figure that the tensile strength of BF-HDPE composites with continuous aligned fiber orientation is much greater than that of continuous bidirectional fiber orientation. For continuous aligned fiber orientation the percentage of change of the tensile strength   The maximum value of the tensile strength of banana fiber reinforced HDPE composites is found to be 55.7 MPa for 20 wt% banana fiber composite. This may be due to the fact that the fibers are well distributed and the better interfacial bonding between the fiber and matrix. Another study reported that the fibers disperse poorly when reinforced into thermoplastic matrices due to strong inter fiber hydrogen bonding which holds the fibers together [38].

Flexural Strength of BF-HDPE Composites
The effect of fiber loading on flexural strength for two different fiber orientations in BF-HDPE composites is shown in Figure 7. In each case of 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% BF-HDPE composite samples, total ten samples were taken for flexural strength calculation. Figure revealed that flexural strength of the BF-HDPE composites increases with the increase of fiber content for 5% and then it decreases for 10%, 15% and 20% fiber content composites.
Previous research showed that natural fiber has poor wettability, incompatibility with some polymeric matrices and high moisture absorption, and for the reason of high moisture absorption properties, there are formations of void in the composites which can reduce the mechanical properties of composite such as flexural strength [39] [40]. Moreover, the flexural strength of banana fiber-HDPE composites with continuous aligned fiber orientation is slightly greater than that of continuous bidirectional fiber orientation. Shinichi et al. have investigated the effects of the volume fraction and lengths of natural fibers on flexural properties of biodegradable composites [41]. Kenaf and bagasse were mixed with corn-starch biodegradable resin, and composite flexural specimens were fabricated by press forming. The flexural modulus of the natural fiber composite made from Kenaf and bagasse increased, with an increase in fiber volume fraction up to 60% for Kenaf, and up to 66% for bagasse. Above these percentages of Kenaf and bagasse, the composite shows weak properties.

Leeb's Rebound Hardness of BF-HDPE Composites
The  Table 2.

Thermal Properties
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) has accomplished to observe the thermal stability of obsolete HDPE and BF-HDPE composites. The TG/DTA scans of BF-HDPE composites were taken in nitrogen atmosphere (at a flow of 100 ml/min) using a TG/DTA 6300 system controlled by an EXSTAR 6000 controller (SEIKO Instruments Inc., Japan) [45]. The TG/DTA module has a horizontal system balance mechanism. Alumina was used as reference material and furnace temperature was programmed by software controlled converter.
The TG/DTA measurement was done by using small portions (of about 2 -5 mg from each sample) of the sample cutting from the composites by using     Table 3.
TG, DTA and DTG curves of obsolete HDPE are shown in Figure 9(a TG, DTA and DTG curves of 5% BF-HDPE composite shown in Figure 9(b). TG curve shows that major degradation occurs in single steps and major degradation stage spans over 453.5˚C -490.5˚C, which may be due to decomposition   Figure 9(c). TG curve shows the mass loss event occurs mainly in one stage which is due to polymer degradation, major degradation stage spans over 451.7˚C -493.7˚C which may be due to decomposition and polymerization of HDPE. The onset temperature and maximum slope are 451.7˚C and 472.8˚C. Total weight loss is 85.1%. DTA curve shows two endothermic peaks at 136.7˚C and 477.9˚C. The DTG curves shows peak at 480.1˚C with degradation rate of 4.76 mg/min. TG, DTA and DTG curves of 15% banana fiber-HDPE composite is shown in Figure 9(d). TG curve shows that the major degradation occurs in single step, major degradation stage spans over 463.6˚C -494.3˚C which may be due to decomposition and polymerization of HDPE. The onset temperature and maximum slope are 463.6˚C and 479.8˚C.
Total degradation loss is 75.2%. DTA curve shows two prominent endothermic peaks at 131.6˚C and 484.4˚C. The DTG curves shows peak at 483.8˚C with degradation rate of 2.34 mg/min. TG, DTA and DTG curves of 20% banana fiber-HDPE composite are also shown in Figure 9(e). TG curve shows that major degradation occurs in single step, major degradation stage spans over 464.3˚C -498.0˚C which may be due to decomposition and polymerization of HDPE. The onset temperature and maximum slope are 464.3˚C and 481.2˚C. The total degradation loss is 78.5%. DTA curve shows two endothermic peaks at 137.5˚C, and 483.6˚C. The DTG curves shows peak at 486.7˚C with degradation rate of 5.24 mg/min. All these TG curves show that the mass loss event occurs mainly in one stage which is due to polymer degradation. There is no distinguishable peak for fiber decomposition. Because banana fiber decompose in two stages; decomposition starts around 320˚C and completed at 450˚C [46]. But there is no peak at this temperature range in TG, DTG and DTA curves. Thermal degradation temperature for virgin high-density polyethylene (HDPE) is at a temperature range of 400˚C to 550˚C [47]. DTA curves show a peak initially and this peak may be for moisture content in composites. Second peak is for thermal degradation of HDPE because it is nearly decomposition temperature of HDPE. From all these curves of BF-HDPE composites it is clear that polymer is the dominating character.
In composites, fibers act as initial source of ignition, but it is not apparent in these composites. The major degradation is due to decomposition of HDPE which is supported by the final endothermic event on DTA and DTG curve. The mass loss and maximum degradation rate depend on the percentage of banana fiber in BF-HDPE composites. Decomposition temperature slightly increases with the increase of wt. (%) of banana fiber in BF-HDPE composites for 15%

Conclusion
The physical, mechanical and thermal properties of banana fiber-HDPE composites were performed to investigate the change of different properties due to addition of banana fiber in BF-HDPE composites. Composites were made by hot press molding method by using Paul-Otto Weber Hydraulic press machine. The bulk density of banana fiber in BF-HDPE composites increased with the addition of fiber content in composites because the fiber density is higher than HDPE. Because of hydrophilic nature of banana fiber, water absorption ability of both banana fiber and BF-HDPE composites increased with socking time for a certain period of time. In BF-HDPE composites water absorption also increased with the increase of fiber content. Tensile strength and Young's modulus of the BF-HDPE composites increases with the increase of fiber content in both cases (continuous aligned fiber orientation and continuous bidirectional fiber orientation). And the tensile strength and Young's modulus of BF-HDPE composites with continuous aligned fiber orientation is much greater than that of continuous bidirectional fiber orientation. BF-HDPE composite with 5% banana fiber showed better flexural property. Then flexural strength decreases with the increase of fiber addition. The flexural strength of continuous aligned fiber orientation was slightly greater than that of continuous bidirectional fiber orientation.
Leeb's rebound hardness decreased with the increase of fiber addition in BF-HDPE composites. Different thermal properties like TG/DTG, DTA of the obsolete HDPE and BF-HDPE composites for different wt. (%) of fiber content were studied using thermo gravimetric analyzer. BF-HDPE composite with 20% fiber content was more thermally stable than three other compositions. For this reason, 20% BF-HDPE composites showed the better mechanical properties like tensile strength.