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Characterisation of coir fibre hybrid composites reinforced with clay particles and glass spheres

Hybrid composite materials were fabricated using an optimum coir fibre with functionalised clay and glass spheres using a vacuum-assisted resin transfer moulding. The coir fibres were treated with 10% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to improve their bonding properties by removing the cellulose and lignin found on the fibre surface. Clay functionalisation was done using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane at different ratios and obtained an optimum ratio of 1 g clay: 2 g silane. Composite specimens were fabricated using epoxy and coir fibre at 7%, 10%, 15% and 20% volume fractions, respectively. Based on the mechanical properties, an optimum volume fraction of 15% coir fibre was selected to fabricate the hybrid composites with functionalised clay and glass spheres reinforcements, respectively. These composite specimens were then characterised to obtain their tensile, flexural and impact properties. From the results, it was realised that hybrid composites containing 4% functionalised clay particles and 8% glass spheres have superior mechanical properties. The reason behind the improved properties might be due to the reinforcing effect of the particles, which improved the load transfer between the fibre and the matrix.