Development of coconut fiber-corn cub ash hybrid reinforced polyvinyl chloride composites for shoe sole application

Abstract

ABSTRACT This research investigates the microstructural, mechanical, and physical properties of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix reinforced with coconut fiber (CF) and corn cob ash (CCA) as potential composite materials for shoe sole production. The reinforcement materials were treated and characterized before incorporation into the matrix phase (PVC). The composite samples had varying CF and CCA proportions within the range of 2–20 wt%. The results of the examinations carried out revealed that the presence of CF enhances the properties of the developed composites. Sample from 20 wt% coconut fiber-reinforced PVC had the optimum properties with ultimate tensile strength of 47.00 MPa, tensile modulus of 3.52 GPa, hardness of 81.00 HS, and wear index of 0.06 mg among all the samples produced while composites with 15 wt% CF–5 wt% CCA showed the best flexural strength of 48.60 MPa, flexural modulus of 3.77 GPa, and impact strength of 94.30 J/m2. Hence, high proportion of CF in both composites supports the use of coconut fiber as reinforcement in PVC for shoe sole application where high flexibility and good impact resistance are essential.