Coir Fiber-Reinforced Composites

Abstract

Nowadays, fiber-reinforced polymer composites have played a significant role in many different fields of applications, regarding their high specific strength and high modulus. The fiber which serves as reinforcement mechanism in polymer composites may be either synthetic or natural. Natural fibers are not only strong and lightweight but also very economical and environmental friendly. Natural fibers as reinforcement are stated to be a major step taken in promoting environmental protection and sustainability. There are many types of natural cellulose fibers but the thickest and most resistant of all commercial natural fibers, coir/coconut fiber is a coarse, short fiber extracted from the outer shell of coconuts. Coir/coconut fibers have the highest concentrations of lignin, making it most suitable for applications where slow biodegradability is required. This chapter has been written with an aim to explore the potential of the coconut/coir fiber reinforced polymer composites in terms of their performance, surface treatments/modifications and areas of application.