Advancements in Hybrid Polymer Composites with Banana Fiber Reinforcement: A Review of Mechanical and Thermal Properties

Abstract

The world is rapidly moving forward in the search for materials with high strength-to-weight ratios. Composite materials have been a subject of great interest because of their improved attributes and wide range of applicability, especially when reinforced with fibers. Natural fibers are currently replacing synthetic reinforcement materials because of their advantages, such as low cost, low density, non-toxicity, reduced waste, and competitive strength. Many studies have explored the potential uses of natural fibers, including jute, bagasse, and sisal, but particularly banana fibers, in various composites. Polymer composites incorporating banana fibers derived from the waste stems of banana trees indigenous to Southeast Asia display substantial enhancements in their physical, chemical, and mechanical properties. The major components of banana fibers include cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, which can be further modified using chemical or surface treatments. Apart from being cheaply available, these fibers offer substantial improvements in mechanical properties, such as wear resistance, thermal conductivity, and increased electrical conductivity. Such hybrids are called hybrid composites, and are composite materials in which banana fibers are mixed with other types of natural or artificial fibers and combined into polymer matrices. Particularly, in mechanical and thermal aspects, significant improvement can be seen in hybrid composites that comprise banana fibers together with either natural or synthetic fabrics. The goal of hybridizing banana fibers with other fibers is to enhance their overall mechanical properties, reduce water absorption, and improve thermal stability. A review of the relevant literature indicates that these banana fiber-reinforced hybrid composites could serve as suitable alternatives to pure glass fiber-reinforced composites, with comparable or even better load-bearing capacities. In light of the increasing environmental concerns and stringent regulations by government agencies, biodegradable and renewable natural fiber-reinforced composites have attracted significant attention as sustainable alternative materials. Consequently, one can consider the development of high-performance composites based on easily available banana fibers is an effective research direction for cost-effective biomaterials.