Mechanical Behaviour of Coconut Coir Fibre Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composite
Prakash J P1, M. Dev Anand2, C P Jesuthanam3, Pratheesh J P4, Dhanu Krishnan M P5

1Prakash J P*, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Narayanaguru College of Engineering, Manjalumoodu, Tamil Nadu, India.
2M. Dev Anand, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Noorul Islam Centre for Higher Education, Noorul Islam University, Kumaracoil, Tamil Nadu, India.
3Dr. Jesuthanam C P, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Narayanaguru College of Engineering, Manjalumoodu, Tamil Nadu, India.
4PratheeshJ P, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Narayanaguru College of Engineering, Manjalumoodu, Tamil Nadu, India.
5Dhanu Krishnan M P, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Narayanaguru College of Engineering, Manjalumoodu, Tamil Nadu, India. 

Manuscript received on November 15, 2019. | Revised Manuscript received on 20 November, 2019. | Manuscript published on December 10, 2019. | PP: 2462-2465 | Volume-9 Issue-2, December 2019. | Retrieval Number: B7028129219/2019©BEIESP | DOI: 10.35940/ijitee.B7028.129219
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Abstract: With low cost, simplicity of manufacturing and the abundant availability of natural fibers have tempted the researchers to try the available fibres and to investigate their possibility of using it for the purpose of reinforcement. Since Coir fiber is renewable, eco-friendly, less weight and has good mechanical performance it is considered as one of the best alternative to Carbon fiber. In this present work the ability of coir fibre in improving the mechanical characteristic has been studied. Four specimens having different weight fractions (5%,10%,15% &20%) of coir fiber with polyester matrix is prepared and their corresponding mechanical properties has been determined. In this work the fiber is treated with Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) for attaining good fiber separation and hand- lay-up practice have been employed for composite manufacturing. To find the mechanical characteristics of composite the following tests were performed on the prepared specimens like tensile test, Flexure and hardness test. Experimental result reveals that the composite with 15% coir fiber have a maximum tensile strength of 26.5Mpa From the Experimental results it is evident that the increase in coir fiber weight fraction results in improving the mechanical properties of the composite. 
Keywords:  Coconut Coir Fibre, Fibre Reinforced Composites, Mechanical Properties , Natural Fibres, Polyester.
Scope of the Article: Composite Materials