Microstructure and physical characteristics of the interleaved modified non-woven Cocos nucifera composite: the impact of egg shell and MMT K10

Abstract

This study investigates into the mechanical properties of a Cocos nucifera fiber-reinforced polyester matrix composite under alkali-treated (NaOH) and untreated conditions, along with the effects of nanoclay (NC) and egg shell powder (ESP). The samples were prepared by the compression molding process with different weight percentages of NC and ESP. The composites underwent thorough analysis for both morphological and mechanical properties. The void content and density of the composites are regulated by the alkali treatment applied to the composites. In the alkali-treated composites, the maximum absorption rates reached were 10% and 9%. Notably, the tensile strength exhibited a slight enhancement in alkali-treated composites with 1 wt% NC and 2 wt% ESP, reaching 12.92 MPa. Flexural and impact strength were good in the combination of equal wt% of filler addition, like 48.13 MPa and impact strength of 3.78 J, respectively. Morphological investigations on fractured surfaces of untreated and alkali-treated composites elucidated the interfacial relationship between components, with alkali-treated composites showcasing superior interfacial strength compared to their untreated composites.