Effect of soaking time and concentration of NaOH solution on mechanical properties of coir-polyester composites

The green husk coir fibres were treated with different levels of soaking time and concentration of alkali solution. As a result of alkali treatment, the surface modifications were done on the fibre surface and were studied using scanning electron micrographs. The coir–polyester composites were fabricated using hand lay up process and the mechanical properties (tensile, flexural and impact strength) were evaluated as per ASTM standards. The effect of soaking time and concentration of NaOH solution were studied based on evaluated values of mechanical properties to find out optimum fibre treatment parameters