Abstract
Coconut fibers were used as reinforcement for unsaturated polyester resin from recycled PET that has been prepared using glycolysis and polyesterification reaction. Various concentrations of alkali, silane, and silane on alkalized fiber were applied and the optimum concentration of treatments was determined. Morphological and mechanical properties of the composite have also been investigated to study the effect of fiber surface treatment. The influence of water uptake on the sorption characteristics of composites was studied via immersion in distilled water at room temperature. Surface treatment of coconut fiber caused a significant increase in the tensile properties with the optimum treatment of 0.5% silane on the 5% alkalized coconut fiber/polyester composites. For water absorption study, it was observed that the treated fiber composites showed lower water absorption properties in comparison to those of untreated fiber composites. SEM investigation showed that the surface modification of fiber has better fiber-matrix interaction. Thus, chemical treatments on the fiber improve fiber/matrix adhesion especially for silane on alkalized fiber treatment.
Highlights
The increases in the amount of plastics and agricultural wastes have contributed to various environmental problems
In order to produce a composite with better mechanical strength, a modification on the fiber surface by using chemical treatments is needed to make the fibers more hydrophobic [13]
During the alkali treatment, NaOH reacts with hydroxyl groups of the cementing material hemicelluloses and it leads to the destruction of the cellular structure and, the fibers splits into filaments
Summary
The increases in the amount of plastics and agricultural wastes have contributed to various environmental problems. This has attracted the attention of researches to find new ideas to solve the problem. PET does not create any direct hazard to the environment, but due to the increasing in the plastics waste and its high resistance to the atmosphere and biological agents, it could be considered as a pollutant materials. Recycling of PET will serve as a partial solution to the solid waste problem and contribute to the conservation of raw petrochemical products and energy. Product made from recycled plastics can results in half energy saving [1]. The use of UPR from recycled PET as a binder is important for the construction industry and helps in the long-term utilization of PET waste in an effective and economical manner [2]
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