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 so-
dium 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 signifi-
cant improvement in the mechanical properties of the treated fibres. Sisal bio-composite
showed a tensile strength of 5.2 MPa with an adjusted R 2 value of 0.91, Young’s modulus
of 11.99 MPa (adjusted R 2 of 0.92), percentage elongation of 1.77% (adjusted R 2 of 0.95),
and compressive strength of 2.94 MPa (adjusted R 2 of 0.90). The bio-composite could be
compared 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
