Study of effect reinforcement by coconut fiber on some mechanical and physical properties of thermoset polymer

Abstract

In this paper, a polymeric composite consisting of unsaturated polyester resin as a base material reinforced with coconut fiber was produced by volumetric fractions percentage ( 0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3% ) of coconut fiber and at room temperature. The properties of compressive strength, hardness and thermal conductivity of the composite material were studied. The results showed an improvement in the mechanical properties ( compressive strength and hardness ) while the thermal conductivity values decreased with the increase of the volumetric fraction of the fibers. The heat insulation of the composite material is increased with the increase of the volumetric fracture of the fiber..