Dynamic Mechanical Behaviour of Coir and Coconut Husk Particulate Reinforced Polymer Composites: The Effect of Exposure to Acidic Environment

Abstract

This chapter describes an experimental investigation into the dynamic mechanical properties of coir and coconut husk particulate reinforced polymer composites which were prepared by the hot press method. The composite was immersed in a strongly acidic environment of pH 2.2 for a period of 14 and 28 days (14P and 28P). Values of storage modulus at different vibrational frequencies recorded for the polymers at low temperatures where the molecules are still tightly compressed and the region of first solid state transitions are: Control sample (CS ) —913.18, 984.18 and 979.94 MPa; 14P—505.54, 492.47 and 473.60 MPa and 28P—282.25, 298.70 and 285.36 MPa at 2, 5 and 10 Hz, respectively. While values of loss modulus at different vibrational frequencies are: CS—113.32, 109.43 and 107.62 MPa, 14P—92.92, 92.92 and 101.93 MPa and 28P—46.08, 45.61 and 45.18 MPa at 2, 5 and 10 Hz, respectively. Degradation of the mechanical properties was ascribed to the penetration and absorption that occurred between the acid solution and the composite constituents (matrix, filler, and fiber). It was found that frequency variation influenced the dynamic mechanical properties of the polymer composite at the points of measurement.