Mechanical Characterization of Coir Fiber and Cotton Fiber Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites for Packaging Applications

Abstract

The aim of this work is to develop a natural fiber composites that can become a substitute for plywood and medium density fiber boards used in packaging application. In this work, the composite was fabricated with randomly oriented chopped coir and cotton fiber reinforced with unsaturated polyester resin. The different types of composite materials were prepared with different quantity of coir fiber and cotton fiber reinforced with unsaturated polyester by using hand lay-up technique. Mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, impact and hardness strength are evaluated. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was conducted on the fabricated composite to analysis the interfacial properties, internal cracks and internal structure of the fractured surfaces. Based on the results, cotton fiber reinforced with unsaturated polyester has better mechanical properties to be used for packaging applications compared with other combinations of coir/cotton fiber reinforced with unsaturated polyester.