Impact of electrospun cellulose acetate-based nanofibers on the thermo-mechanical properties of banana fiber-reinforced composites

In this work, the impact of fillers based on electrospun cellulose acetate (CA) nanofibers on the thermo-mechanical properties of banana fiber-reinforced composites is examined. Electrospun CA, CA:CL (nanoclay), and CA:SIL (silica) nanofibers were used as fillers in an epoxy polymer matrix reinforced with banana fibers, prepared by resin casting method. The outcomes show that the mechanical properties of the composites are significantly impacted by the addition of CA-based fillers at a very low loading of 0.3 wt%. These CA-based nanofibers strengthened the interaction between the banana fibers and the polymeric matrix and enhanced tensile, flexural, and thermo-mechanical properties. Particularly relevant mechanical improvements were achieved with nanofibers containing CL and SIL, with increments of up to 46% and 99% in the Young modulus and flexural modulus, respectively. The mechanical results were supported by morphological observations that suggested enhanced banana fiber–matrix adhesion when adding this small amount of CA-based electrospun nanofibers. In addition, water absorption was significantly reduced when CL and SIL are introduced into the CA nanofibers. Therefore, CA:CL and CA:SIL nanofibers are proposed as bio-based fillers to enhance the thermo-mechanical properties and prevent water absorption of banana fiber-reinforced composites, increasing their suitability for use in different environmentally friendly structural, semi-structural and packaging materials.