Dynamic Mechanical Behaviour of Coir and Coconut Husk Particulate Reinforced Polymer Composites: The Effect of Exposure to Acidic Environment

Abstract

This chapter describes an experimental investigation into the dynamic mechanical properties of coir and coconut husk particulate reinforced polymer composites which were prepared by the hot press method. The composite was immersed in a strongly acidic environment of pH 2.2 for a period of 14 and 28 days (14P and 28P). Values of storage modulus at different vibrational frequencies recorded for the polymers at low temperatures where the molecules are still tightly compressed and the region of first solid state transitions are:

Mechanical and frictional properties of coconut husk powder reinforced polymer immersed in a simulated acidic medium for oil/gas applications

“…This could be ascribed to the de-bonding between the fibre and the polymer matrix. However, the crystallinity increases for the control samples, which implies that the acid ageing might have improved the intermolecular bonds [ 22 , 40 ].…”

“…Some parts of the coconut husk fibre were milled to convert the fibre to powdery form (sieved with 425 μm mesh), while the plastic crusher was used to shred the low-density polyethylene (LDPE). The samples were mixed homogeneously using the composition: 70 wt% LDPE, 15 wt% coconut fibre and 15 wt% coconut shell powder, as supported by a previous study conducted by Obada et al [ 22 ]. The mixture was heat-treated using a two-roll mill for 30 min at 180 °C then thermoformed with a hot-pressing machine.…”

“…Polymeric materials are mostly exposed to aggressive environments that negatively impact their mechanical and chemical properties [ 21 ]. The degradation of the polymer materials occur in salt, acid or alkaline medium through either surface, micro-cracks or other imperfections [ 8 , 9 , 22 , 23 ]. Naturally, water intake by a fibre-reinforced polymeric material causes physical degradation like swelling and hydrolysis.…”

“…The availability of LDPE polymer from the sachet water industry has implications for its potential use in the oil and gas sector. LDPE, known for its flexibility, chemical resistance, and low moisture absorption can find applications in the oil and gas industry [ 22 ]. While glass fibre-reinforced plastics offer high strength, their applicability is constrained by their relatively high production costs [ 25 ].…”

“…While glass fibre-reinforced plastics offer high strength, their applicability is constrained by their relatively high production costs [ 25 ]. Natural lignocellulose materials like coconut shell and shell powder have emerged as compelling options for reinforcing plastics owing to their exceptional attributes such as high strength and modulus [ 22 ].…”