Preparation and characterization of coir-PET reinforced composite for environmentally friendly applications

Abstract Use of recycled polymer as raw materials for composite production can remarkably reduce the plastic waste from environment. It is crucial to produce s sustainable method for the production of useful goods from environmental wastes (plastics) with biofibers reinforced materials to alter the plastics into decomposable materials. The preparation of yellow Coir fiber-PET (polyethylene terephthalate) reinforced composite materials has been conducted by several studies; but, the determination of mechanical properties based on exact compositions has yet to be presented in the literature. This work aims to establish the best composition ratio for the preparation of Coir fiber-PET composites. In this study we have prepared Coir fiber-PET composites with different composition ratio of Coir fiber: PET%(w/w), of Sample-A (20% Coir : PET 80%), Sample-B (30% Coir : PET 70%), Sample-C (40% Coir : PET 60%), Sample-D (50% Coir : PET 50%), Sample-E (60% Coir : PET 40%), Sample-F (70% Coir : PET 30%) and Sample-G (80% Coir : PET 20%). Among Six distinct Coir fiber: PET composition ratio, Sample-C(40% Coir & 60% PET) and Sample-D (50% Coir & 50% PET) composites demonstrated the maximum mechanical properties as tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, shear strength, and elongation of break. The reason of the diverse values of mechanical properties for different composition containing Coir fiber-PET composite has been discussed through the article. The study inveterate that the yellow coir fiber-PET composite owns greater mechanical properties at their composition ratio of 40% coir fiber : 60% PET, considered to be the best fit for useful applications. Graphical Abstract