Abstract
The use of natural fibres, such as coir, banana, sisal and pineapple leaf fibres which are abundantly available in India, as polymer based composite materials has been examined in this paper. Tensile strength, percentage elongation, modulus, electrical resistivity and dielectric strength of these plant fibres and some of the mechanical and physical properties of natural fibre-polyester composites have been measured. The properties of untreated fibre-polyester composites are lower than either the polyester or the fibre pointing to the need for surface modification to improve bonding. The beneficial effects of surface treatments, such as copper coating on coir fibre, on its own properties and on the properties of coir-polyester composites have been described. Consumer articles like wash basins, mirror casings, chair seats, scooter boxes, slide projectors, voltage stabilizer tubes, crash helmets and roofing materials have been prepared out of natural fibre-polyester composites.
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