Investigation of Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Coconut Tree Primary Flower Leaf Stalk Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study focuses on the determination of the mechanical characteristics of composites under static and dynamic conditions. The composites are prepared by reinforcing with 3 mm, 7 mm, and 10 mm short-treated coconut tree primary flower leaf stalk fiber (CPFLSF) in the polymer matrix. The 3 mm untreated CPFLSF composite (3UTCPFLSFC) reveals the lowest tensile, flexural, and impact properties, whereas 7 mm Alkali-Treated CPFLSF Composite (7ATCPFLSFC) indicate the maximum tensile strength of 34.31 MPa, tensile modulus of 1.81 GPa, flexural strength of 58.43 MPa, flexural modulus of 3.23 GPa, and impact strength of 8.25 kJ/m2. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) reveals that the 7ATCPFLSFC had enhanced loss and storage modulus compared to untreated and other alkali-treated CPFLSF composites. The maximum decomposition is obtained for 7ATCPFLSFC in the region of 550°C temperature with a residual mass of 18% compared to other compositions. From the water absorption test, it was observed that, when increasing the soaking time of the composites, water intake properties gradually increased in the composite. However, the 7ATCPFLSFC absorbed water, compared to the other composites. A scanning electron microscope confirms better bonding in the composite, fracture of fiber, pull-out, fiber shearing, and tearing in the treated and untreated composites.