Fabrication and characterization of raw and dewaxed coir fiber reinforced polymer composites

Abstract

Coir fiber was selected for this study as it is non-toxic, low cost, high lignin content, low density, low tensile strength, low tensile modulus and high range of elongation compared to other fibers. Composites were prepared using Coir fiber in the rough (raw) stage, after washing with tap water, and also subjected to various other treatments. After which their mechanical, chemical composition, morphological properties were determined in the laboratory and the results are discussed. There was a good improvement in their properties due to chemical composition modification and surface modification (fiber / matrix adhesion). Characterization study was done by XRD, SEM, INSTRON and FTIR facility.