Studies on lignocellulosic fibers of Brazil. Part II: Morphology and properties of Brazilian coconut fibers

Stress-strain curves for different diameters, tensile properties and thermal behaviour of Brazilian coir fibers are presented. The tensile strength (TS) and Young's modulus (YM) of these coir fibers were found to decrease, while the percentage (%) strain at break remained constant as fiber diameter increased. With fibers (mean diameter of 0.225 mm), a decrease in TS and % strain at break but an increase in YM with increasing test length of the fiber, and a considerable increase in TS, constant YM and % strain at break with increasing strain rate were observed. The results are discussed in terms of X-ray diffraction and microscopic observations. Thermal behaviour of the fibers revealed degradation of different constituents in an N-2 or O-2 atmosphere. Thermo-mechanical analysis of the fibers revealed increased modulus and decreased tan delta values. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.