Effect of coconut shell nanopowder reinforcement in the development of palm fiber composites

Abstract

Lightweight materials are being employed in aeronautical and automobile industries for high strength, lower weight, and energy consumption. Attention is needed to control pollution through the usage of harmful synthetic composites globally. In this work, coconut shell nanofillers are reinforced in the development of various palm fiber (leaf stalk, leaf sheath, leaf-spine, and fruit) composites using the hand layup technique. Mechanical and morphological effects of the addition of nano-coconut-shell-powder to the composites are addressed. The palm fibers are sandwiched within the glass fiber to improve the strength of composites. The addition of coconut shell nanoparticles in the composites improves the tensile, flexural, impact, hardness, and water absorption characteristics. SEM image observations on the composite indicate the buildup of nanomodified matrix residues around the fiber bundle. The adhesive property of the composite is confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy examination, which reveals the presence of one additional alcohol/phenol OH stretch, one less alkyl CH stretch, and aromatic CH bending functional groups. The inclusion of palm fibers during the fabrication of composites facilitated the pushing of curves to higher temperatures with considerable degradation temperatures, thereby increasing thermal stability and making them suitable for thermal applications. Development of the eco-composite changes environmental impact factors aiming sustainability.