Manufacturing and mechanical characterization of coir fibre composites based on vinyl ester

Material experts worldwide are progressively interested in replacing synthetic fibres in polymer composites by using natural fibres. Natural fibres are from natural sources and are renewable. Coir fibres, as they have a high tensile strength, which is comparable to other fillers such as glass fibres, can be ideal reinforcements for polymer composites. This paper reports on the development and mechanical characterisation of composites based on coir fibre of vinyl ester polymer. Using a hand layup technique, the composites are prepared. Compared to untreated coir fibre composite samples, the chemically treated coir fibre composite samples showed better tensile and flexural strength outcomes compared to the untreated coir fibre composite samples. Morphological tests also indicate that the treated fibres have better adhesion to the vinyl Ester matrix, thereby contributing better results compared to untreated samples.