Study of Mechanical Behaviour of Coconut Shell Reinforced Polymer Matrix Composite

Agunsoye J. Olumuyiwa, Talabi S. Isaac, Sanni O. Samuel

Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, University of Lagos Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, Nigeria.

DOI: 10.4236/jmmce.2012.118065                

Abstract

The morphology and mechanical properties of coconut shell reinforced polyethylene composite have been evaluated to establish the possibility of using it as a new material for engineering applications. Coconut shell reinforced composite was prepared by compacting low density polyethylene matrix with 5% - 25% volume fraction coconut shell particles and the effect of the particles on the mechanical properties of the composite produced was investigated. The result shows that the hardness of the composite increases with increase in coconut shell content though the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, impact energy and ductility of the composite decreases with increase in the particle content. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of the composites (with 0% - 25% particles) surfaces indicates poor interfacial interaction between the coconut shell particle and the low density polyethylene matrix. This study therefore exploits the potential of agrobased waste fiber in Nigeria as an alternative particulate material for the development of a new composite.

Keywords

Coconut Shell Particles; Mechanical Properties; Composite; Morphology; Polyethylene Matrix

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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