Optimization of Microwave Power and Reinforcement in Microwave-Cured Coir/HDPE Composites

This research work focused on the effective manufacturing and characterization of natural fibre reinforced composites. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) matrix and chopped coir fibre were used to fabricate coir/HDPE composite using microwave energy. The effect of microwave power and wt% of fibre reinforcement on resultant coir/HDPE composite was investigated for tensile and flexural behaviour. The wt% of reinforcement was 10 and 15%. The microwave powers used for curing were 360 and 720W. The two-level factorial design was used to decide the number of specimens to be fabricated. The analysis of results was done on Design-Expert V.10 software. Coir/HDPE composite cured at 360 W and coir reinforcement of 10 wt% has the maximum tensile strength of 29.5 MPa. The maximum flexural strength 32.14 MPa reported was at 360 W and reinforcement of 15%. SEM of fractured samples was studied to support the result.