Mechanical Properties of Coir/Glass Fiber Phenolic Resin Based Composites

Abstract

Phenolic resin based coir/glass hybrid composites were developed using compression molding followed by hand lay-up technique. Mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural properties of coir based hybrid composites were investigated as a function of fiber content and fiber volume fraction. This study is focused on the mechanical performance of coir based and its hybrid composites. Results showed that tensile properties increase with increasing fiber content. Mechanical properties of composites with increased glass fiber content have high values. The effect of alkali-treatment of fibers on the mechanical properties was also studied. Significant improvement in coir based composites by alkali-treatment was observed. Overall studies indicated that the short coir/ glass fabric hybrid polyester composites are promising candidates for structural applications where high strength and stiffness is required.