Mechanical performance of coir fiber/polyester composites

Published Date

doi:10.1016/j.polymertesting.2008.03.003

Author

S.N. Monteiro ^a

L.A.H. Terrones ^a

J.R.M. D’Almeida ^b,,

• aScience and Technology Center, Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense, Av. Alberto Lamego, 2000-Horto-28015-820, Campos, RJ, Brazil
• bMaterials Science and Metallurgy Department, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Marquês de São Vicente,225-Gávea-22453-900, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Received 24 January 2008. Accepted 10 March 2008. Available online 19 March 2008.

Abstract

The structural characteristics and mechanical properties of coir fiber/polyester composites were evaluated. The coir fibers were obtained from disregarded coconut shells that if not properly processed constitute an environmental hazard. The as-received coir fiber was characterized by scanning electron microscopy coupled with X-ray dispersion analysis. Composites prepared with two molding pressures and with amounts of coir fiber up to 80 wt% were fabricated. Up to 50 wt% of fiber, rigid composites were obtained. For amounts of fiber higher than this figure, the composites performed like more flexible agglomerates. The results obtained for flexural strength allowed comparison of the technical performance of the composites with other conventional materials.

Keywords

Coir fiber

Composites

Flexural strength

Micromechanics

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