Mechanical Properties of Composites Made from Waste PET and Coconut Husk Fibres Using an Innovative Method

B. Y. R. Surnam; R. Teelonah

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to develop a composite material based on two waste products, namely, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles and coconut husk fibres using a simple innovative method to improve its mechanical properties. The fibres, after extraction, were treated with 5 wt% NaOH. They were then coated with a thin layer of polyester resin. The composite specimens were then manufactured in an industrial furnace. The shredded PET bottles were melted in a furnace and then poured into a mould cavity consisting of randomly oriented coated coconut fibres. The fibre content and the fibre length were varied to determine the ones with the optimum mechanical properties. It was found that the composites with 5% fibre content and 5 cm fibre length had the highest tensile of 7.8 MPa and the highest flexural strength of 18.6 MPa. Though the composites cannot be used for load- bearing applications, they would be appropriate for non-load-bearing ones.