Mechanical and electrical properties of coconut coir fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites

Natural Fibers have an outstanding potential as reinforcement in thermoplastics. The objectives of this experiment are to evaluate the suitability of producing Fiber composites using coconut coir fibers. This study deals with the preparation of coconut coir composites by using compression technique in which good interfacial adhesion is generated by a combination of fiber modification and matrix methods. Initially the coconut fibers were treated in order to improve resin fiber interfacial bonding. The treatment agents used included alkali, stearic acid, acetone, and potassium permanganate. The various reactions between the modified fiber and polypropylene chains were used improve the interfacial adhesion between the fiber and polymer using the new bond. Generally, composites that contain treated fiber have a higher tensile modulus and greater flexural modulus than do untreated fiber composites. Typical mechanical tests on strength, flexability, hardness, and dielectric were performed and the results are reported. Copyright © Taylor & Francis, Inc.