Characterization of Physical, Chemical and Mechanical Properties of Sri Lankan Coir Fibers
P. D. Dharmaratne, Harsha Galabada, Randika Jayasinghe, Renuka Nilmini, R.U. Halwatura
Abstract
This study was carried out to determine the characterization of brown coir fiber which is used as a potential reinforcement in polymer composites. The fiber is extracted from the husk of the coconut seeds which are collected in Sri Lanka. Anyhow the above-mentioned characterization can hardly be seen when it comes to the Sri Lankan context. Since the evaluation of their physical, mechanical, and chemical properties are significant before commencing the material development process and applications for this fiber. Several testing were carried out to evaluate the above-mentioned properties. There, the functional groups of coir fiber were obtained by Fourier Transform Infrared analysis and Crystallinity Index and Crystallite size were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. The surface morphology and cross-sectional features were investigated through Scanning Electron Microscopy. The thermo-gravimetric method was adopted to study the thermal stability of coir fiber. The density and diameter of coir fiber were measured utilizing pychometric method and optical microscope respectively. Tensile strength was measured using an electronic tensometer and then find out the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, and elongation at breaking point. The average density of brown coir fibers was 1.018 g/cm 3 and average diameters were 0.30 mm. The Crystallinity Index and the crystal-line size were 37.28% and 0.4331 nm respectively. Ultimate tensile strength, Young's modulus, and Elongation of the coir fiber were ranging from 94-159 MPa, 1.2-1.8 GPa, and 21-67%, respectively.