The use of banana tree fiber instead of glass fiber in polyethylene composites was evaluated. Composites of high density polyethylene with 10, 20, 30 and 40 wt. % of banana fiber were investigated. For comparison, composites with glass fiber, with the same polymeric matrix and proportions, were prepared. The samples were produced using an intermeshing co-rotating twin-screw extruder and injection molding. The mechanical properties investigated were the tensile, flexural and impact resistances of the composite. Thermal analyses were carried out by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG). The incorporation of fiber resulted in an increase in the composite degree of crystallinity. A considerable increase in mechanical reinforcement was achieved by incorporation of banana fiber in the composites. Thus, the replacement of fiberglass by banana fiber is possible when the components are used in specific proportions. Thermogravimetric analysis of the composites showed intermediate degradation temperatures between the values for banana fiber and polymeric matrix.
Banana fiber; high density polyethylene; composite
