Production and Characterization of Luffa/Coir Reinforced Polypropylene Composite

Abstract

In recent years the natural fibres have been more attractive. The natural fibres are technically enhanced by amalgamating with plastics. Types of natural fibres which can be used along with plastics are coir, luffa, hemp, jute, sisal and banana. The natural fibre have advantage over renewable resources and have high marketing appeal. Agricultural wastes can be used for the preparation of fibre reinforced composites in commercial purposes. Application of composite materials to structures have presented the need for the engineering analysis the present work focuses on the fabrication of coir and luffa reinforced polypropylene composite in desired shapes by the help of various structures of patterns and calculating its material characteristics (tensile strength, flexural rigidity, hardness, % gain of water, density and impact energy) by conducting tests like tensile test, flexural test, hardness test, water absorption test, density test, impact test, and SEM analysis. The results are assessed on sections of materials which identifies the use of the natural fibre reinforced polypropylene composite material for automotive application.