Studies on the Influence of Silane Treatment on Mechanical Properties of Coconut Sheath-Reinforced Polyester Composite

In this investigation, naturally woven coconut sheath, a new type of reinforcement was used. The composite was fabricated using compression molding machine. The mechanical properties like tensile, flexural and impact strengths were studied according to the ASTM standards. For comparison, conventionally used glass fiber-reinforced composites were also fabricated and tested. In all the testing, the coconut sheath-reinforced polyester composite showed enhanced results. For further improvement in the properties, chemical modification such as silane treatment was given to the fibers. As expected, the mechanical properties of coconut sheath-reinforced composites were improved. Keywords: Coconut sheathMechanical propertiesPolymer compositesSEMSilane treatment ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The authors wish to thank the Department of Science and Technology, India for the funding through SR/FTP/ETA-92/2009 project, and also the Center for Composite Materials, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Kalasalingam University for their kind permission to carry out the preparation and testing of the composites.