Effect of halloysite nanotube addition on mechanical and thermal performance of banana/cotton hybrid natural fiber-reinforced polymer nanocomposites

Abstract

Natural fibre composite materials can replace conventional and synthetic materials in real-world applications where energy and weight conservation are necessary. This research investigates the effects of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) and alkali treatment on banana/cotton hybrid woven fabric reinforced with epoxy composites. The mechanical and thermal properties and morphological aspects of cotton/banana fabric-reinforced epoxy composites-filled with HNTs and also the unfilled composites were evaluated. The cotton/banana hybrid epoxy composites were enhanced with halloysite nanotubes in 1, 2, 3, and 5 wt%. The chemical structure, and surface morphology of composite materials were analysed by using SEM and FTIR. The mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, compression, and impact strengths were assessed according to ASTM standards. The results demonstrate that composites with 2 wt% HNTs possess optimal tensile (62 MPa) and flexural strength (102 MPa), whereas greater filler loadings caused agglomeration, and decreasing characteristics. Furthermore, thermal studies revealed that the composites with 2 wt% HNTs exhibited higher thermal stability, with degradation occurring between 357 °C and 452 °C. Morphology portrayed that the superior bonding and surface homogeneity in the 2 wt% HNT nanocomposite. This study highlights the importance of nanofillers and surface treatment in addressing the constraints of natural fibre composites, permitting their application across several industries, including automotive, aerospace, and construction.