Effect of hybridization and chemical treatment on the mechanical properties of coir pith/nylon/epoxy hybrid composites

The aim of the work was to develop environmental friendly coir pith-based composites with a good balance of mechanical properties. Multilayered coir pith/nylon fabric/epoxy hybrid composites were fabricated by the hand lay-up technique followed by compression molding. A set of composites of same composition having chemically treated coir pith was also prepared. Mechanical properties of composites such as tensile strength, impact strength, flexural strength, hardness, and abrasion resistance were evaluated. The hybridization with nylon fabric and the chemical treatment of coir pith enhances the mechanical properties of composites. Chemical resistance and void content of the composites were also determined and reported. A comparative evaluation is done between composites having chemically treated coir pith and untreated coir pith. Coir pith was subjected to different treatments such as sodium hydroxide treatment followed by sulfuric acid, dicumyl peroxide, sodium hypochlorite, acrylic acid, and acetic acid. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:649-657, 2016. (c) 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers