Modification on adhesion property of coir fiber for reinforced plastics

Abstract

The purpose of this research was focused on the modification on adhesion property of coir fiber for reinforced plastics. In addition, the mechanical properties of these composite were investigated. Coir fibers, a cellulosic fiber with hydroxyl groups, were covalently bonded with the coupling agent 2-diallylamino-4, 6-dichloro-l, 3, 5-triazine. This coupling agent was synthesized from 2, 4, 6-trichloro-1, 3, 5-triazine and diallylamine; and was then characterized by techniques of infrared spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The coir fibers were treated with 5 % acetone solution of the coupling agent. The treated coir fibers were then used as reinforcement for polyester composite, consequently, the glass fiber reinforced composite and the untreated coir fiber reinforced composite, were also prepared in the similar way for comparison. Mechanical properties of the coir fiber composite were lower than those of the glass fiber composite due to the high modulus of glass fiber. Impact strength of the modified coir fiber composite, however, was comparable to glass fiber reinforced due to the ductility of coir fiber and interfacial bond. The untreated coir fiber reinforced composite had lower mechanical properties than the composite with treated coir fiber as reinforcement. The surface modification of coir fibers was, therefore, necessary to increase the fiber matrix interfacial bond, which was a critical factor for obtaining better mechanical properties.