Evaluation of Composites Reinforced by Processed and Unprocessed Coconut Husk Powder

Abstract

Engineering activities aim to satisfy the demands of society. Not only should the economic and technological aspects be considered, but also the socio-environmental impact. In this sense, the development of composites with the incorporation of waste has been highlighted, aiming not only for better and/or cheaper materials, but also optimizing the use of natural resources. To obtain better results using industrial agro waste, we need to treat this waste to incorporate engineered composites and obtain the optimal results for each application desired. The objective of this work is to compare the effect of processing coconut husk particulates on the mechanical and thermal behavior of epoxy matrix composites, since we will need a smooth composite in the near future to be applied by brushes and sprayers with a high quality surface finish. This processing was carried out in a ball mill for 24 h. The matrix was a Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA)/triethylenetetramine (TETA) epoxy system. The tests that were performed were resistance to impact and compression, as well as the linear expansion test. Through this work, it can be observed that the processing of coconut husk powder was beneficial, allowing not only positive improvements to the properties of the composite, but also a better workability and wettability of the particulates, which was attributed to the change in the average size and shape of particulates. That means that the composites with processed coconut husk powders have improved impact strength (46 up to 51%) and compressive strength (88 up to 334%), in comparison with unprocessed particles.

Mechanical and Ballistic Properties of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Babassu Fibers (Attalea speciosa)

“…These findings indicate that an increase in the percentage of fibers in the composites results in a greater capacity to absorb impact energy. The energy absorption results obtained by the epoxy matrix composite containing babassu fiber revealed a higher value than is normally found in the literature [57][58][59][60]. However, this difference is subject to variations due to the specific characteristics of the fibers, which vary from one natural fiber to another.…”

Effect of Temperature and Extraction Time on the Yield, Water Content, and Methoxyl of Coconut Fiber Pectin

“…The results of further research refer to research [4] regarding Evaluation of Composites Reinforced by Processed and Unprocessed Coconut Husk Powder, the results of the research show that it was observed that the processing of coconut husk powder was beneficial, allowing not only positive improvements to the properties of the composite, but also a better workability and wettability of the particulates, which was attributed to the change in the average size and shape of the particulates. That means that the composites with processed coconut husk powders have improved impact strength (46 up to 51%) and compressive strength (88 up to 334%), in comparison with unprocessed particles.…”

“…[3] The pectin content of coir coconut varies between 4.8 -12 % depends from age fruit. Whereas according to [4] in a way natural content pectin in various results plant different from one another. But it all depends on how process which done for extraction of pectin from plant tissue.…”

Tensile Strength of Polyester Matrix Composites With Incorporation of Kaolin Waste From the Amazon Region

“…Among the advances in this field, the promising strategy of combining polymers with waste has stood out, allowing the optimization of the use of materials. This occurs due to the reduction in demand for polymers, since there is a partial replacement of these by waste, as well as the use of materials that would have been discarded in the past [2][3][4].…”