DEVELOPMENT OF COIR FIBER REINFORCED COMPOSITE MATERIAL

Abstract

This research focuses on the mechanical properties and performance analysis of coir fiber and glass fiber reinforced epoxy composites, particularly evaluating the effect of fiber orientation under various mechanical tests. Hybrid composites were fabricated using coir fibers oriented at 45°, 60°, and 90°, combined with glass fibers in an epoxy matrix. Mechanical testing included hardness and impact tests to understand the influence of fiber orientation on the overall properties of the composites. The results demonstrated a significant correlation between fiber orientation and the mechanical behavior of the composites. The 45° coir fiber orientation exhibited superior impact strength, attributed to its ability to absorb and dissipate energy more effectively under dynamic loading conditions. On the other hand, the 45° orientation resulted in higher hardness values, indicating better resistance to localized deformation. The 45° orientation showed balanced performance but did not surpass the other configurations in either hardness or impact strength. This study highlights the importance of fiber orientation in designing hybrid composites to achieve desired mechanical properties. By optimizing orientation, it is possible to tailor the composite for specific applications, such as automotive, aerospace, and structural components, where lightweight materials with enhanced strength and durability are crucial. These findings provide valuable insights for future development of sustainable, high- performance composite materials.