The present work aims to investigate the potentiality of reinforcing coconut tree peduncle fiber an agro-waste with unsaturated polyester resin, optimizing its mechanical properties and promote as an alternative reinforcement to harmful synthetic fiber polymer composites. It was found that polymer composites with 40 wt% fiber content exhibited maximum mechanical properties and started to decline on further addition of fibers due to lack of sufficient resin to wet the fibers leading to fiber pull-out and debonding under applied loads. This was also evidenced from the observed micrograph of specimen undergone tensile failure.In addition, the chemical bonding between the fiber and matrix was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared analysis. Also, the thermal stability was ascertained by the degradation temperature obtained through thermo-gravimetric analysis. Moreover, the water absorption study in fresh and seawater exposed the pseudo-Fickian behavior and aquatic properties of the developed composite, which was further confirmed by the crystalline size obtained through X-ray diffraction analysis. The above holistic analysis of the fabricated composite ensures its sustainable use in automotive and marine industries.

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The aim of this study is to look into the effect of chemical treatments on fibers extracted from the unbranched portion of the peduncle of the coconut tree (Cocos nucifera L. Var typica) for use as reinforcement in polymer composites. The extracted coconut tree peduncle (CTP) fibers were treated with 5% alkali, 6% benzoyl peroxide, 0.5% potassium permanganate, and 1% stearic acid. The chemical composition, surface morphology, mechanical properties, crystallinity, and thermal decomposition of chemically treated CTP fibers were thoroughly investigated. The chemical analysis shows that fibers treated with 0.5% potassium permanganate had a maximum cellulose content of 58.05 wt% after hemicellulose, lignin, and wax were removed from the fiber. This has been due to the chemically treated fiber's improved crystallinity index, crystalline size, tensile strength, kinetic activation energy, and thermal stability. The existence of chemical functional groups is confirmed by Fourier transform infra-red analysis, and major elements such as carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen are quantified by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis in chemically treated fibers. The surface of the fibers has become roughened as a result of chemical treatments, as shown by the morphological analysis performed using scanning electron microscopy. Among the chemical treatments tested, fibers treated with 0.5% potassium permanganate demonstrated superior thermo-mechanical properties for use as bioreinforcement in high performance polymer composites.chemical treatment, coconut tree peduncle fiber, physio-mechanical properties, thermal characteristics | INTRODUCTIONThe use of natural fibers in conjunction with polymeric materials in the composite fabrication process has resulted from the increased carbon footprint and compulsion toward sustainable manufacturing. This scenario has prompted researchers to investigate hemp, flax, jute, and sisal fibers for use as an eco-friendly alternative to glass

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Biodegradable natural plant fiber isolated from the prop roots of fragrant screwpine (FSP) plant has been thoroughly studied as a potential replacement for artificial fiber in light weight bio-based composite applications. Chemical, physical, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermo gravimetric studies were used to determine the appropriateness of FSP fiber for use as a novel reinforcement. FSP fibers were determined to have a density of 1.3852 g/cm 3 and a diameter of 27-280 μm respectively. Good specific strength and bonding qualities are provided by a high cellulose content (73.10 wt%) and a low wax content (0.35 wt%). The tensile strength of raw FSP fiber was 915 ± 195 MPa, the young's modulus was 33 ± 12 GPa, and the average strain to failure rate was 4.59 ± 2.17%. Thermal analysis (TG and DTG) confirmed FSP fiber's thermal stability up to 235 C. The findings revealed that FSP fiber (FSPF) is an excellent alternative for constructing polymer-based bio-composites and other high-value products with both technical and environmental requirements.