The influence of fibre treatment on the performance of coir-polyester composites

Published Date
July 2001, Vol.61(9):1303–1310, doi:10.1016/S0266-3538(01)00021-5

Author 

J. Rout ^a

M. Misra ^b

S.S. Tripathy ^a

S.K. Nayak ^c

A.K. Mohanty ^b,,

• aPolymer and Composite Laboratory, Post Graduate Department of Chemistry, Ravenshaw College (Autonomous), Cuttack 753003, Orissa, India
• bComposite Materials and Structures Center, Michigan State University, 2100 Engineering Building, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
• cCentral Institute of Plastic Engineering and Technology, B-25, CNI Complex, Patia, Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India

Received 19 June 2000. Revised 18 January 2001. Accepted 13 February 2001. Available online 11 July 2001.

Abstract

Surface modifications of coir fibres involving alkali treatment, bleaching, and vinyl grafting are made in view of their use as reinforcing agents in general-purpose polyester resin matrix. The mechanical properties of composites like tensile, flexural and impact strength increase as a result of surface modification. Among all modifications, bleached (65°C) coir-polyester composites show better flexural strength (61.6 MPa) whereas 2% alkali-treated coir/polyester composites show significant improvement in tensile strength (26.80 MPa). Hybrid composites comprising glass fibre mat (7 wt.%), coir fibre mat (13 wt.%) and polyester resin matrix are prepared. Hybrid composites containing surface modified coir fibres show significant improvement in flexural strength. Water absorption studies of coir/polyester and hybrid composites show significant reduction in water absorption due to surface modifications of coir fibres. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) investigations show that surface modifications improve the fibre/matrix adhesion.

Keywords

Surface modification

Coir-polyester composite

Hybrid composite

Mechanical properties

Water absorption

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• * 
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