Banana Fiber and Eggshell Ash Reinforced Epoxy Composites for Automotive Seat Back Applications

Abstract

The need for sustainable and lightweight materials in the automotive industry derives the development of new bio composites to reduce vehicle weight and environmental impact. This study investigates the combined influence of banana fiber (BF) and eggshell ash (ESA) on the physical and mechanical performance of epoxy based on hybrid composites targeting automotive seat back applications. The fabrication method was using hand layup and compression molding following an L-25 Taguchi array with banana fiber (15-35) wt % and eggshell ash (0-12) wt % as factors. The preparation samples were tested for tensile, flexural and impact properties as well as water absorption test behaviors. The mechanical result is the highest tensile strength (24.55 MPa) occurred at 30 wt % banana fiber and 9 wt % eggshell ash which is the maximum flexural strength (52 MPa) was recorded at 25 wt % banana fiber and 6 wt % eggshell ash showing that filler content increases load transfer and rigidity. The maximum impact strength (2.2 J) was observed at 30 wt % banana fiber and 6 wt % eggshell ash. The water absorption after 144 hours dropped to 1.36 % for the 20 wt % of banana fiber and 6 wt % of eggshell ash composites demonstrating the filler effectiveness in reducing porosity and moisture uptake. The statistical analysis using ANOVA confirmed that the banana fiber and eggshell ash significantly influenced the composites' mechanical and physical responses (p<0.05) with fiber content showing the strongest effect on water absorption and tensile test properties and eggshell ash contributing more prominently to flexural performance. The interaction effect between banana fiber and eggshell ash produced the balance moisture – stable and eco-friendly composite right for lightweight non-structural automotive components