Coconut Coir Fiber Research Articles

Strength of Corrugation in Roofing Sheet with Various Fibres

Due to tearing out at its corrugations because of high wind and impact loads most of the corrugated roofing sheets have damaged. By using fibre reinforcement the strength of these sheets can be improved. The fibres play the role of crack arrest and absorb energy. In this research paper the fibre namely polyester, glass fibre, coconut coir fibre and fly ash are used as reinforcement in cement matrices for producing corrugated roofing sheets and it has been investigated and reported. These roofing sheets were cast by hand and the strength of the corrugations of the sheets in terms of splitting due to water absorption test, impact load and flexure test were experimentally evaluated. It is identified that the strength of the fibre sheets due to buckle strength and impact loads increased as compared to the corrugated sheets without fibres. This study has shown that asbestos can be replaced by these fibres, in the fabrication of corrugated roofing sheets.

Impact on Strength of Concrete by Coconut Coir and Polypropylene Fibers

Plain concrete is tough in terms of compression and feeble in tension, which leads to development of cracks in structure. The internal micro cracks in concrete which are formed due to tensile stresses, can be minimized and prevented by the addition of fibers in concrete. This project aims at the enhancement of concrete properties with the intrusion of hybrid fibers, by controlling the effect of cracks. The dosages of fibers are 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% to the weight of cement. The hybrid fibers used in this work are the combination of synthetic fiber of polypropylene twines of 1 to 2 cm and natural fiber of coconut coir of length 2 to 3 cm. The specimen made up of hybrid fibers and conventional concrete are tested for engineering properties like compressive, split-tensile, flexure strength. A comparative study is done between hybrid concrete and conventional concrete.

The Influence of Coconut Fiber on the Compressive and Flexural Strength of Paving Blocks

The aim of this study is to determine the influence of coconut coir fiber on the compressive and flexural strength of paving blocks. The research was carried out using paving blocks with dimensions of 20cm×10cm×6cm, mixed with coir fiber by 0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3% by weight. The results showed that no addition of coconut coir fiber resulted in compressive strength of 24.49Mpa, while the addition of 0.1% coconut coir fiber resulted in compressive strength of 25.39Mpa after 7 days. A mixture with no coconut coir fiber resulted in flexural strength of 31.5Mpa while the addition of 0.1% coconut coir fiber gave a flexural strength of 33Mpa in the age of 14 days. The conclusion of this study is that the addition of 0.1% coconut coir fiber in a paving block mixture can increase its compressive and flexural strength.

AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF MARINE CLAY TREATED WITH LIME AND COCONUT COIR FIBRE

AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF MARINE CLAY TREATED WITH LIME AND COCONUT COIR FIBRE

Effect of sodium hydroxide concentration on the tensile strength of coconut fiber

The purpose of this research is to determine the effect of the concentration of sodium hydroxide on the tensile strength of coconut fiber. The materials used are coconut fiber, sodium hydroxide solution, distilled water, tensile testing machine, carton, glue. Coconut fibers are soaked for 3 hours in sodium hydroxide solution with concentrations of 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, and 55%. After that, coconut coir fibers are rinsed with distilled water, then shredded in the oven at a temperature of 90°C for 5 hours. After that, coconut fibers were divided into 3 groups. The first group, coconut fiber is used for hydrolysis test which aims to determine the amount of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose contained in coconut fiber. The second group, coconut fiber is given a tensile test with standard ASTM 3379-02 to determine the tensile strength of coconut fiber. The third group, coconut fiber is used to observe the surface of coconut fiber with using SEM equipment. Based on the results of hydrolysis and tensile test It was concluded that (a) the concentration of sodium hydroxide had an effect on the amount of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose contained in coconut fiber, the tensile strength of coconut fiber, and the roughness of coconut fiber surface, (b) the coconut fiber surface is increasingly rough which allows an increase in bonding strength between coconut fiber and resin, (c) the highest tensile strength was obtained at 30% sodium hydroxide soaking 226,1 N/mm2.

Fabrication and tribological investigation of Coconut coir/Banana fiber/Glass fiber reinforced hybrid polymer matrix composites- A Taguchi’s approach

This paper aims to study the tribological properties of the natural fiber and commercially obtained glass fiber reinforcement into the unsaturated polyester (USP). The natural fibers used in this investigation are coconut coir and banana fibers. These are silane treated for their effective reinforcement in the composites. The different weight percentage of silane treated natural fibers and glass fibers are prepared through the compression molding process. Pin on disc wear test rig was used to investigate the wear resistance of the composites under different test parameters such as load on the pin, disc speed and weight fraction of fibers used in the composites — the experiments conducted as per the sequence generated by Taguchi’s L16 orthogonal array. Later the results obtained were statistically analyzed through Analysis of Variance technique to evaluate the effect of various test parameters. The results indicate that weight fraction of fibers in the composites is significantly contributing to the wear resistance (96.11%) of the composites followed by the speed (1.85%) and load on the pin (1.79%). The worn surface of the specimens was studied by Scanning Electron Micrographic Analysis to evaluate different mechanisms responsible for the wear under different test conditions. The results show that ploughing fiber delamination and abrasion are in effect, contributing majorly for the wear of the composites.

Utilizing Agricultural Waste as an Environmentally Friendly Cement Composite

Utilizing coconut coir fiber can offer an alternative method of adding value to agricultural wastes and help to conserve the environment with green products. The aim of this research was to investigate the potential use of coconut coir fiber as an eco-friendly material for cement composites. The properties of these cement composites mixed with varying proportions of paper waste were compared to ordinary white Portland cement. In addition, the surface structure and chemical characteristics of the samples were examined with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and an energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDS). The results showed that the cement composites consisted mainly of the elements carbon (C), oxygen (O), and calcium (Ca) in the range of 34-44%, 42-49%, and 11-19% by weight, respectively. The density of OPC, 0%, 50%, 100% of coconut coir fiber cement composite at 28 days curing time were found 1.85±0.03 g/cm3,1.72±0.02 g/cm3, 1.66±0.05 g/cm3, 1.56±0.02 g/cm3, respectively. Moreover, the compressive and flexural strength of the cement composites decreased with an increase in the coconut coir fiber volume fraction.

Mechanical Properties of Hybrid Polymer Composite Using Natural Fiber and Nanoparticle

Hybrid polymer composite were prepared by incorporating two indigenous agro-industrial waste reinforcements, sugarcane bagasse fiber (SBF) and coconut coir fiber (CCF) into epoxy resin through the hand lay-up technique. Nano-silica was also added to enhance the mechanical performance of composite materials. The alkaline treatment on the surface of natural fibers was carried out and its effects on the mechanical properties were investigated. Generally, it is found that the CCF reinforced epoxy composites exhibited higher mechanical properties as compared to the SBF reinforced epoxy composites. For hybrid composite samples, (2.5wt%SBF+12.5wt%CCF) had attained the highest mechanical performance amongst all other different ratio percentage of hybrid polymer composite.

Coconut Fiber Cement Panels as Wall Insulation and Structural Diaphragm

The study considers applications for natural fiber composites for affordable housing projects located in the two districts of Gujarat, India and Gorkha, Nepal with the goal of addressing issues of thermal comfort and lateral loading from seismic activity. To help alleviate some of these issues, the team worked with the Hunnarshala Foundation, in Bhuj, Gujarat, India, to develop a fiber cement composite that could be applied to the interior or exterior of a home and provide both insulative and structural improvements. Thermal conductivity of the composites were measured using a heat flux machine and experimental results of 0.16 W/m•K to 0.19 W/m•K showed an improvement in thermal conductivity compared to current wall cladding materials ranging from 1.60 - 1.88 W/m•K. Modeling of the building envelope was completed using the EnergyPlus™ tool and show that homes using the fiber cement composites would have an overall reduction in heating requirement of Nepalese homes by 14% and a reduction of 11% for homes in North India. The study used coconut husk fibers (referred to as coconut coir), rattan, and pine wood fibers in addition to Portland cement, fly ash, and hydrated lime in the fabrication of fiber cement composite samples. Flexural strength of these fiber samples were 70% stronger than comparison specimens, suggesting possible application for wall cladding to reduce out-of-plane failure during seismic events. Field tests conducted in Gujarat validated lab results as well qualitative perceptions of the material. Continued work with local partners presents several possible applications of coconut coir fiber cement composites for the retrofit existing housing and construction of new buildings.

Preparation and characterization of cellulose nanofibrils from coconut coir fibers and their reinforcements in biodegradable composite films

Coconut waste husks were effectively utilized in this study as a promising cellulose source for production of purified coir cellulose (PCC) after multiple treatments, e.g., ultrasonic-assisted solvent immersion, alkaline treatment, bleaching, etc. As to upgrade the self-value of coir cellulose based products and further broaden their applications in light of biorefinery, coir cellulose nanofibrils (CCNF) with an average diameter of 5.6 ± 1.5 nm were prepared by selection of a milder TEMPO-mediated oxidation system (TEMPO/NaClO/NaClO2, pH = 4.8) accompanied by subsequent ultrasonic treatment. The cellulose nanofibrils were comprehensively characterized in terms of their functional groups, crystallinity, morphology, and thermal stability. The potential reinforcement of CCNFs as a filler for biodegradable PVA based films was investigated and the main properties including tensile strength, elongation at break, and thermal stability of CCNF/PVA composite films were significantly enhanced especially when 3% of CCNF (based on dry film weight) was applied.

Effect of coconut shell particles, coir fiber and husk powder on static & dynamic characteristic of polymer composites

Polymer composites based on agriculture waste or wood industry waste are becoming popular due to better utilization of natural wastes and availability of low cost material for structural and dynamic applications. Availability of coconut shell, coir fiber and husk powder have attracted the development and characterization of coconut reinforced wood plastic composites. Coconut shell particles have capability of introducing the behaviour of particulate composites and coir fibers have the capability of long fibers. But chopping of coir fiber into small sizes and crushing coconut shell into various sizes of particles is the source of managing the structural and dynamic properties. Husk powders consist of very fine and light particles. So, reinforcing husk powder into polymer matrix would enhance the properties of polymer. Various samples consisting of these coconut fruit waste were fabricated for structural and dynamic characterization. Effects of these elements were evaluated. Non-contact type vibration measuring system-Laser Doppler Vibrometer was used for better accuracy in results in dynamic characteristic

LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF BIO-BASED THERMAL INSULATION MATERIALS FORMED BY DIFFERENT METHODS

Inorganic thermal insulators are commonly used to improve energy efficiency. However, environmental and health aspects of their production until the end of life have been increasingly concerned. Agricultural wastes including rice straw, rice husk and corn cobs are abundant in Thailand and converted into value-added products such as thermal insulation materials offers a viable recycling opportunity as the ecological burden of a product has now become a widely-discussed issue. In this paper, global warming potential impact of thermal insulation materials made from agricultural wastes; rice straw, bagasse, coconut coir and oil palm fibre, were assessed by using IPCC 2007, while Eco-indicator 99 was applied to evaluate the endpoint impact. Moreover, those impact of three different forming processes including (i) hot-pressing, (ii) using concentrated latex as a binder and (iii) using mixed concentrated latex-chemicals as a binder were compared. The physical properties of the insulation pads were tested to identify qualities such as density, water absorption, thickness swelling, fire resistance and thermal conductivity. The eco-efficiency of the insulation pads was also measured the performance and environmental impact and compared with commercial thermal insulators. Results revealed that thermal insulators formed by mixed concentrated latex-chemicals had the lowest thermal conductivity, while those formed by hot-pressing had the highest. Thermal conductivity of the four agricultural waste thermal insulation materials varied between 0.042-0.087 W/mK. Insulators made from rice straw caused the greatest environmental impact followed by those made from bagasse, coconut coir and oil palm fibre respectively. The result of eco-efficiency of oil palm fibre insulator, formed by mixed concentrated latex-chemical, was best presented and closed to the eco-efficiency of commercial thermal insulators.

Study of Mechanical Behavior for Tamarind Shell Powder and Coconut Coir Fiber Epoxy Composite for Aerospace Application

Study of Mechanical Behavior for Tamarind Shell Powder and Coconut Coir Fiber Epoxy Composite for Aerospace Application

Analysis of Palm Fiber and Coconut Coir Usage as Purse Seine Cargo Chamber Insulator

Indonesia's annual marine fish potential of 6.5 million tons is spread over the waters of Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone. The constraint of which are often faced by fishermen is the decay that occurs during the storage process in which the fish becomes less fresh when it comes to the fish auction. The decomposition rate of fish after fishing is strongly influenced by fishing techniques, handling techniques, and onboard storage. The cooling or freezing process is the best method chosen for handling the catched fish to maintain its quality and freshness. This study was conducted by modifying the insulation material of purse seine cargo hold using a coolbox made of insulated materials from coconut coir and Palm Fiber. The purpose of this study is to know the influence of coconut coir and Palm Fiber composite insulation to temperature and cooling time in which will be compared with styrofoam insulated coolbox. The study was conducted by testing some specimens which will be selected with the thermal conductivity and lowest density. The compositions which is chosen were coconut coir and Palm Fiber composite that is mixed with polyurethane glue 4:4:1 ratio, having a thermal conductivity of 0.4643 W/mK and a density of 0.18 g/cm 3 . Coolbox's test using coconut coir and Palm Fiber composite insulation was done using a 400 gram fish as a cooling load and ice that had been destroyed weighing 2 kilograms as a cooling source. Coolbox with coconut coir and Palm Fiber composite insulation has the lowest fish temperature of 0.7 o C, while the coolbox with styrofoam insulation has the lowest fish temperature of 1.8 o C. In addition, coconut coir and Palm Fiber composite coolbox is able to keep temperature below 20 o C for 16,5 hours, while with the same treatment styrofoam insulated coolbox is only able to keep the temperature below 20 o C for 16 hours. So it can be concluded the use of coconut coir and Palm Fiber composite is effective as insulation material because it can offset the performance of the insulation styrofoam.

Utilization of Natural Fibers in the Fabrication of Lightweight Concretes

Natural fibers; rice straw and coconut coir fiber, which are found in large quantity in Thailand, were utilized as main materials for low cost lightweight concretes. The total fiber content was varied in the range 30-50 vol%. Fine (untreated) coconut coir fiber of <1 mm in size was used in this study. Coarse rice straw (5-20 mm) and fine rice straw (1-5 mm) were treated with 15% sodium hydroxide and found effective for removing hemicellulose, lignin and fatty acids. This improved the surface roughness and hydrophobicity of the cellulose fibers hence the adhesion between the fiber surface and cement phase was greatly improved. Lightweight concrete containing 20% fine rice straw and 10% fine coconut coir fiber in the composition showed high compressive strength value of 138.73±19.13 kg/cm2 with bulk density reduced by 30% compared to 100% cement.

Ultrasonically Synthesized Dielectric Microwave Absorbing Material from Coconut Coir Dust

Carbon rich natural agricultural wastes are outstanding potential candidates as microwave absorbing materials for new technological developments in electronics and telecommunication, radar and satellite systems. Fast developments in the field of electronics and telecommunication increases electromagnetic pollution due to electromagnetic interference resulting in new technological issues for stealth technology. To deal with these environmental issues, researchers have the challenges to produce low cost, eco-friendly microwave absorbing materials. This paper presents the synthesis and characterization of coconut coir dust based epoxy composites as microwave absorbers. An optimum blend of chemicals like acetone-ethanol (50–50%) is used for surface treatment of the raw coconut coir fibre. The Scanning electron microscopy study shows good dispersion of coconut coir dust in the epoxy matrix. Frequency dependence of both dielectric constant and dielectric loss are measured in the X-band frequency range (8.2–12.4 GHz). The average value of dielectric constant $$(\varepsilon ^{\prime})$$ 3.32, low value of dielectric loss i.e., 0.25 and the value of loss tangent i.e., 0.75 indicates significant attenuation of the microwave with high attenuation coefficient 1.35 and reduces the amplitude of the microwave. Absorption co-efficient and S11 and S21 parameters show good absorbing capacity of the materials in the same frequency range, with maximum reflection loss − 23.5 dB at 10 GHz frequency. The experimentally determined reflection loss quite well agrees with the calculated ones, which show the effectiveness of absorber for various practical EM wave absorption applications.

PRODUÇÃO DE MUDAS DE <i>Schinopsis brasiliensis</i> Engler SOB PRÉVIA LAVAGEM DO PÓ DE COCO E SUBMETIDAS A DOSES CRESCENTES DE FERTILIZANTE DE LIBERAÇÃO CONTROLADA

O manejo do substrato e da adubação é imprescindível para garantir a formação de mudas de espécies florestais com qualidade e que tenham êxito no estabelecimento em campo, seja para fins de arborização urbana, recuperação de áreas degradadas, projetos de reflorestamento ou para fins madeireiros. Nesse sentido, objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da lavagem do pó de coco e a aplicação de doses crescentes de fertilizante de liberação controlada na produção de mudas de baraúna (Schinopsis brasiliensis Engler). O experimento foi conduzido no período de 30 de janeiro de 2015 a 04 de abril de 2015, em viveiro (50% de sombreamento) no Setor de Produção de Mudas do Centro de Referência para Recuperação de Áreas Degradadas da Caatinga (CRAD), Petrolina-PE. O delineamento experimental adotado foi inteiramente casualizado, com os tratamentos distribuídos em esquema fatorial 5 x 2, referentes a cinco doses do adubo Osmocote® (0,0; 4,5; 9,0; 13,5 e 18,0 kg m-3) e substrato lavado ou não lavado, com quatro repetições e 54 tubetes por parcela. Durante o experimento foram registrados a porcentagem de emergência (PE%) e o índice de velocidade de emergência (IVE). Ao final do experimento, foram determinados: altura de planta; número de folhas; diâmetro do caule; comprimento médio da maior raiz; área foliar; clorofila foliar; e massa seca da parte aérea e raiz. A alta salinidade no substrato pó de coco compromete o desenvolvimento inicial de mudas de baraúna, indicando-se a necessidade da lavagem do substrato para se realizar a produção de mudas. A lavagem do pó de coco em associação com fertilizante de liberação controlada proporciona mudas de melhor qualidade. As doses de adubo de liberação controlada influenciam positivamente o crescimento inicial das mudas de baraúna, incrementando todas as variáveis em estudo. O fertilizante de liberação controlada pode ser recomendado para a formação de mudas de baraúna, na dose de até 12,75 kg m-3.

Comparative study of the sound absorption coefficient of two absorbent materials with two empirical methods for low frequency

The equations of Delany and Bazley have been widely used in the study of the behavior of sound waves inside porous materials since 1970. However, as is known, the validity of these equations for low frequencies can produce physically inconsistent results. This work intends to evaluate the sound absorption coefficient of two types of absorbent material, one porous and one fibrous, with the Allard and Champoux's equations presented in 1992. These equations have the purpose of improving acoustic properties characterization at a low frequency. The precision of the results obtained through the two empirical methods is verified with an experimental evaluation using the modified two cavity method. The measurements are made on the impedance tube with the samples arranged in two different positions displaced from the rigid termination. Porous samples evaluated by this work were common foam and the fibrous were coconut coir fibers.

STRUCTURE AND MORPHOLOGY OF CELLULOSE FROM COCONUT COIR FIBERS

STRUCTURE AND MORPHOLOGY OF CELLULOSE FROM COCONUT COIR FIBERS

Weak base pretreatment on coconut coir fibers for ethanol production using a simultaneous saccharification and fermentation process

ABSTRACTIn this work, coconut coir fibers, which are a good source of lignocellulosic biomass with a composition of 34.80% glucan, 18.30% xylan, 35.80% lignin and 8.70% extractives, were successfully pretreated with ammonium carbonate solution (20 and 25 wt.%) at 80°C for 4, 8 and 12 h working time at laboratory scale. The maximum yield of enzymatic hydrolysis (glucan digestibility) after 8 h was 77.03% and 71.43% after the 20% and 25% ammonium carbonate pretreatment, respectively. The simple simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) process was anaerobically carried out in order to produce second-generation bioethanol from coconut coir fibers at 37°C. The SSF slurry contained Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast, 5% w/v glucan (untreated and pretreated samples), and 10 FPU/g glucan of cellulase. Subsequently, the maximum ethanol concentration was 8.65 g/L, after 72 h incubation, from 20% ammonium carbonate pretreated biomass for 8 h.