Evaluation of mechanical properties of coconut flower cover fibre-reinforced polymer composites for industrial applications

Abstract

In recent times, polymer composites have played an epochal role in transforming material science. Some of their properties such as toughness, strength, flexibility and rigidity have helped them supplant conventional materials such as iron, steel, and aluminium on several occasions. Apart from this, they are light in weight and more cost-efficient, which make them a viable alternative. They have found their application in several fields such as automobile industry, aerospace industry, construction and pipeline industry. Owing to its excellent impact strength, tensile and hardness, natural fibres serve as an excellent replacement. Natural fibres are an environmental friendly, biodegradable and are readily available. The present investigation uses a new fibre for manufacturing the eco-friendly composite material. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, shear stress, flexural rigidity, impact strength and hardness of a coconut fibre-reinforced polymer composite material are evaluated as per respective ASTM standards. A surface analysis of the material using a scanning electron microscope is also performed. The results are categorized and tabulated accordingly. The values obtained appear to fall in line with the experimental data and hence can be espoused as an alternative material especially in the automotive sector.