Effect of Microwave Treatment on Mechanical Properties of Coir Fibers

Abstract

This paper investigate the effect of microwave treatment of coir fibers on mechanical properties (including tensile strength and strain) and surface morphology as well as crystallinity index. Coir fibers were exposed on the microwave oven for 10, 20, and 30 minutes. Characterizations of raw and microwave treatment of fibers were conducted with tensile testing, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that tensile strength of coir fiber after microwave treatment for 10 minutes was higher than raw and other treatment. Meanwhile, strain tended to decrease after microwave treatment. Surface morphology of coir fiber was found change after treatment. In addition, the crystallinity index of coir fiber tends to decrease after treatment.