UTS, Sample 2 had a 75 mm² area, a 969.650 N peak
load, a 1.80% elongation, and an 12.930 N/mm² UTS
indicating the strength and elongation characteristics
of the composite under tension. TABLE 2: The
Compression test table means Pineapple fiber,
Banana fiber, Bamboo fiber and Fly-Ash composite
performance such as cross-sectional area, maximum
load, and compressive strength. Sample 1 measures
75 mm² in area, 1337.309 N in maximum load, and
17.835 N/mm² in compressive strength, Sample 2
measures 75 mm² in area, 799.074 N in maximum
load, and 10.654 N/mm² in compressive strength,
demonstrating the compressive stress resistance of
the composite before deformation or failure. TABLE
3: The water absorption test table indicates the
Pineapple fiber, Banana fiber, Bamboo fiber and Fly-
Ash composite weight before and after the test and
the water absorbed percentage. Sample 1 has
increased from 1.59 g to 1.82 g after 24 hours with a
14.465% water absorption rate. Sample 2 has
increased from 1.42 g to 1.63 g after 24 hours with a
14.788% water absorption rate, which is the moisture
uptake characteristic. TABLE 4: The Izod impact test
table shows the impact resistance of Pineapple fiber,
Banana fiber, Bamboo fiber and Fly-Ash composites
in terms of energy absorbed per thickness delivered.
Sample 1 was 0.20 J and Sample 2 was 0.30 J in Izod
impact, which is the energy-absorbing capacity and
shock resistance of the material before failure.
TABLE 5: The Flexural test table shows Pineapple
fiber, Banana fiber, Bamboo fiber and Fly-Ash
composite properties like cross-sectional area,
maximum load, and flexural strength. Sample 1 has
an area of 39 mm², maximum load of 96.687 N and a
flexural strength of 61.98 Mpa. Sample 2 is 39 mm²
in size, having a maximum load of 32.579 N and
20.88 Mpa flexural strength, showing the ability of
the composite to resist flexural strength before
deforming or failing. TABLE 6: Sample ID is a
sample-specific unique identifier, although not
needed for the test but useful for sorting data. Fiber
Type is the independent categorical variable,
"Pineapple, Banana, Bamboo” for Pineapple Fiber,
Banana fiber, Bamboo fiber Composite and Fly-Ash.
In SPSS, this would be coded as 1 = PALF, 2 = BLF,
3 = BF and 4 = Fly-Ash in Variable View. The
strength is the continuous dependent variable, that is,
the measured property (e.g., tensile strength, flexural
strength) for each type of fiber.
5 DISCUSSIONS
This research again supports that fly ash (FA)
addition in natural fiber-cementitious composites of
pineapple fiber, banana fiber, and bamboo fiber
increases their durability along with their mechanical
strength apart from making them highly water
resistant. This research supports again that fly ash
(FA) addition in natural fiber-cementitious
composites of pineapple fiber, banana fiber, and
bamboo fiber significantly increases their water
resistance, mechanical strength, and durability.
The Maximum tensile strength (23.260%),
flexural strength (61.98%), and Izod impact value in
J for specific thickness (0.20J) were achieved with the
maximum FA content. Water absorption was also
decreased after the addition of FA, which improved
the humid stability of the composites. The scanning
electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed even fly ash
(FA) distribution, which is responsible for high
mechanical strength and structure stability of natural
fiber-cementitious composite. Results confirm FA as
an effective filler material for sustainable, high-
strength composites that can be utilized in
construction and other sectors. While addition of fly
ash (FA) in natural fiber-cementitious composites on
the basis of pineapple fiber, banana fiber, and bamboo
fiber predominantly improved mechanical properties
as well as water resistance, there were some issues
encountered during the process. Increased content of
fly ash (FA), particularly above the optimum 5 wt%,
may cause agglomeration and decrease the bonding
strength of the cementitious matrix with natural fibers
(pineapple, banana, and bamboo fibers). This is due
to the adverse effect of agglomeration on fiber-matrix
adhesion and properties of the composite.[19]
Moreover, asymmetric dispersion of FA or filler
overloading can lead to inhomogeneous properties of
the composite degrading long-term performance and
durability under various conditions. Proper
optimization of FA composition and processing
parameters has to be achieved to avoid such
detrimental effects and create a homogeneous high-
performance natural fiber-cementitious composite.
6 CONCLUSIONS
Pineapple leaf fiber, Banana leaf fiber, Bamboo fiber
and Fly-Ash composite recorded the UTS values of
23.260 N/mm² and 12.930 N/mm² with elongation,
indicating moderate tensile strength. Pineapple fiber,
Banana fiber, Bamboo fiber and Fly-Ash composite
Exploring the Influence of Fly Ash on the Mechanical Performance of Natural Fiber Cementitious Composite