Role of Urea on the Physico-Mechanical and Degradable Properties of Mercerized and Acid Hydrolyzed Coir (Cocos nucifera) Fibers Photocured with 1,6-Hexanediol Diacylate

Abstract

Coir fibers were modified with 1,6-hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) by using ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Concentration of HDDA, soaking time, and radiation dose were optimized and found to be 30% HDDA in methanol along with photoinitiator Irgacure-500 (2%) and 120 min of soaking time the better performance registered as the optimum conditions, where polymer loading (PL) was 17% and tensile strength (TS) was 50%. Urea of different concentrations (0.5–2%) was incorporated with 30% HDDA to monitor its effect on the properties and 1% urea produced the enhanced PL (25%) and TS (82%). For the improvement of the properties, the fibers were subjected to surface treatment with alkali (5% potassium hydroxide) at various mercerizing times in hot and normal conditions. Among all the mercerized fibers, fibers treated with hot alkali for 6 h and cured under optimized condition demonstrated the maximum enhancement of PL (35.5%) and TS (130%). The fibers were also subjected to acid hydrolysis for different times with different acid (H2SO4) concentrations. Again the effect of urea (1%) on the properties of the pretreated fibers was scrutinized. Water uptake and degradable properties of the treated and virgin fibers were performed.