About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T25: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
17th Symposium on Green and Sustainable Technologies for Materials Manufacturing and Processing
|
| Presentation Title |
Recycled PET–Coir Fiber Composites: Advancing Circular Economy Through Sustainable Material Innovation |
| Author(s) |
Enis Agyeman Boateng, Danielle Cote, Robert Krueger |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Enis Agyeman Boateng |
| Abstract Scope |
The escalating global demand for sustainable construction materials necessitates innovative approaches aligned with circular economy principles. This study introduces a novel composite material developed from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) reinforced with hydrothermally treated coconut fiber—a byproduct of agricultural waste. Utilizing compression molding techniques, composites were fabricated with varying fiber contents (10, 20, and 30 wt%) and subjected to comprehensive mechanical, chemical, and morphological analyses.
Mechanical testing identified the 20 wt% coir composite as optimal, exhibiting superior tensile strength compared to other formulations. FTIR supported the hypothesis of physical interfacial bonding within the PET matrix, further validated through SEM imaging. SEM revealed enhanced fiber–matrix adhesion at moderate fiber loadings and increased porosity at higher concentrations.
These findings highlight the potential of recycled PET–coir composites as eco-friendly alternatives for structural applications, particularly in low-resource settings. The research exemplifies the development of sustainable materials, addressing critical challenges in waste management and resource conservation. |