Impact of filler type and proportion on the performance of rubberized coconut fiber-polystyrene composites

Abstract

This research investigates the production of composite materials by utilizing a polystyrene-based resin (PBR) as the matrix and a blend of coconut fiber (CF) and rubber tire (RT) as fillers. The composites were produced in varying proportions, and their mechanical and chemical properties were characterized through hardness tests, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analyses. The findings highlight the notable influence of filler type and proportion on the mechanical and chemical attributes of the composites. The hardness tests demonstrated a substantial enhancement in composite hardness with the incorporation of CF and RT fillers, with CF exerting a more pronounced effect. FTIR analysis disclosed the presence of aromatic and aliphatic groups in all composites, and the introduction of CF and RT particles led to the emergence of additional peaks. EDS analysis indicated that carbon was the predominant element in all composites, followed by oxygen, while the SEM images revealed a heterogeneous microstructure for all composites, with good dispersion of CF and RT particles in the PBR matrix. The resulting composites exhibit potential applications in diverse fields such as construction, automotive, and packaging.