Completely biodegradable banana fiber-wheat gluten composites for dielectric applications

摘要

Biodegradable composites with desirable dielectric constants were obtained using banana fibers as reinforcement and wheat gluten as matrix. Dielectric materials play a critical role in many integrated circuits and microelectronics. Most dielectric materials are made from ceramics and synthetic polymers which are heavy, expensive, have limited range of dielectric values and also not biodegradable. Unlike previous reports that have developed partially biodegradable composites for dielectric applications, we have used protein and a natural fiber as matrix and reinforcement, respectively resulting in composites that are completely biodegradable. In addition, the thickness of the composites was varied which creates air gaps and influences the dielectric properties. Mechanical and electrical properties of the composites were studied at ambient and higher temperatures. Flexural and tensile properties were significantly influenced by the ratio of matrix and reinforcement and thickness of the composites. Dielectric values obtained ranged from 2 to 49 depending on the frequency. Dielectric constant, dielectric loss and dissipation factor decreased whereas conductivity increased with increasing frequency for all the samples. Biodegradable composites suitable for various electronic applications can be obtained with desired dielectric values by varying the composite fabrication conditions.