Analysis of coir fiber porosity

Abstract

Lignocellulosic natural fibers exhibit high variation in mechanical properties values due to their heterogeneity. Recent studies have shown that the dispersion of these properties depends on the diameter of the fiber. A possible explanation for the tendency of low mechanical properties with large diameter is the high probability of defects into the fiber. However, no study has yet investigated the relation between the diameter and defects of natural fibers. Hence, in the present work the total porosity of coir fiber (Cocos Nucifera L.) was estimated. A statistical analysis was carried out on a batch of about 100 fibers and the geometric density was measured by using a stereomicroscope. The closed and open porosity as well as the density of the fiber were quantified by helium pycnometry method. The values obtained were correlated with the diameter of each analyzed fiber. Results made it possible a more detailed knowledge of the porous structure of the fiber.