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Lignocellulosic fibres can be used to produce cost-effective and environmentally friendly composites. Water-absorption properties of natural fibres and their low wettability with polymers limit their use in composite manufacturing for structural, automotive, and other industrial applications. Natural fibres, such as coir, exhibit high strain-to-fracture and toughness due to their porous architecture. However, this increases moisture absorption and retention, which impacts their mechanical properties. This study reports the influence of water absorption on tensile behaviour of coconut fibre and its interface adhesion with polylactic acid (PLA). The moisture absorption characteristics of untreated and alkaline-treated coconut fibre were analysed using water soaking as an accelerated condition for atmospheric moisture absorption at different durations. Alkaline-treated fibre exhibited a 28% higher tensile strength and a 33% improved elastic modulus compared to untreated fibres. The interfacial adhesion of alkaline-treated and water-soaked fibres with PLA was assessed using a fibre pull-out test. The alkaline-treated fibres showed 48% higher interface strength compared to untreated fibres, whereas after water absorption, the interface weakened and the bond strength reduced by 33% and 14% for untreated and alkaline-treated fibres, respectively. This study provides critical insights into the moisture-dependent mechanical performance and interfacial behaviour of coir fibre/PLA composites under humid service conditions.
Dange et al. (Sun,) studied this question.
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