| Abstract Scope |
This work shows the experimental results obtained from the mechanical characterization of a biopolymer-composite reinforced with coconut fibers. Firstly, coconut fibers were dried at 80°°C during 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6h, in order to know the best wet condition for their performance under loads action. Results of tensile test executed on fibers, show that the best dried time was 3h, due to maximum stress reached was 76.15MPa. For longer times, this property decrease significantly (4h = 18.13MPa, 5h = 20.31MPa and 6h = 19.10 MPa). Specimens of biopolymer-composite reinforced with coconut fibers were fabricated by extrusion techniques using the temperature range between 140°C and 160°C. From results it is observed rough surface of material when samples are extruded at 160°C. As a result, the best determined conditions for the fabrication of the composite material were; 3 h of dried, 150°C extrusion temperature and coconut fiber length of 1–3 mm. |