Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to use statistical techniques to characterise bio-composites made from sisal fibres and bio-resin from raw banana peel. The fibres were treated with sodium hydroxide, combined with a bio-resin made from banana peel, and then a bio-composite material was developed. The effect of the fibre volume fraction, glycerine and bio-resin mass on the bio-composite’s tensile and compressive properties was investigated using universal rotatable design and multiple regression. The paired T-test conducted exhibited a significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the treated fibres. Sisal bio-composite showed a tensile strength of 5.2 MPa with an adjusted R2 value of 0.91, Young’s modulus of 11.99 MPa (adjusted R2 of 0.92), percentage elongation of 1.77% (adjusted R2 of 0.95), and compressive strength of 2.94 MPa (adjusted R2 of 0.90). The bio-composite could becompared to a commercial composite and solid wood boards, and hence it is an alternative to non-renewable, non-biodegradable petroleum and solid wood products for partition, ceiling and notice board applications.