Coir pith/nylon/epoxy hybrid composites: Dynamic mechanical, ageing, and dielectric properties

Coir pith/epoxy, nylon/epoxy, and coir pith/nylon/epoxy composites were prepared keeping the coir pith content at 65%. Two series of the above composites, one with chemically treated coir pith and another without chemically treated coir pith were fabricated. The Dynamic mechanical properties of composites were evaluated with respect to type of composites and treatment. Storage modulus was found to improve with hybridization and chemical treatment. Meanwhile Tan of composites were found to be decreased with hybridization and chemical treatment. Compressive strength of composites with chemically treated coir pith was found to be higher than other composite samples and this has been justified in terms of increased crystallinity of coir pith on treatment. The studies on sea water ageing of composites also indicated improved stability of composites with hybridization and chemical treatment. The dielectric properties of the boards were also evaluated in this investigation and the boards were found to show lower dielectric constant with chemical treatment of coir pith. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1671-1679, 2017. (c) 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers