Processing and properties of Bio-waste reinforced polymer composites

Abstract

Polymer composite was prepared by hand lay out method using epoxy resin as the matrix and coir dust as the reinforcement. Composites of four different compositions (amount of reinforcements) are made. The density, void fraction, hardness, flexural strength, and the dielectric constant of the composites were evaluated. It was found that , the flexural strength and hardness are decreases with increasing the amount of reinforcement due to the increment in the void fraction and softness of the reinforcement material. The density decreases with increasing reinforcement content. The void fraction shows that increasing trend with increase reinforcement amount and the dielectric constant of the composite material varies from 6.29 to 11.84 with the composition.