Materials science

Polymer

Composite material

Fiber

Coir

Composites Part B Engineering

Natural fiber reinforced polymer composites play important roles in the production of eco-friendly materials because of their high modulus, meticulous strength and reduced carbon footprint on the environment. Coconut (cocos nucifera) is cultivated extensively in tropical countries for its fruits whereas the husks and shells are mostly disposed as waste. These portions of the coconut plant serve as potential resource for natural fibers which are used to reinforce polymer composites. This work gives an overview of current knowledge of coir fiber and coir fiber reinforced polymer composites. The preparation and production of different matrices reinforced with coir fibers and the mechanical structural and thermal properties of these composites have been studied by several researchers and are elucidated in this review. The major treatment techniques used to modify coir fibers were also discussed.

A review of coir fiber reinforced polymer composites