Tensile Properties of Alkali-Treated Coco Coir Fibers

Abstract

The research investigated the impact of alkali treatment on the tensile properties of coco coir fibers, with a focus on the practical implications of the findings. Specifically, it examined the effects of treatment duration and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) concentration on tensile strength and elongation. The study compared untreated fibers to those treated with 12% or 15% NaHCO3 solutions for 3, 5, or 7 days. Tensile testing, conducted according to ASTM D3822 by DOST-PTRI, revealed that the highest tensile strength of 143.61 MPa was achieved with a 12% NaHCO3 solution for three days. This finding has significant implications for industries that rely on coco coir fibers for their products. Conversely, untreated fibers exhibited the highest elongation of 31.02%, which may be beneficial in certain applications. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA indicated a significant difference in tensile properties between untreated and treated groups. Additionally, a two-way ANOVA demonstrated that treatment duration significantly impacted both tensile strength and elongation. The interaction of concentration and duration also showed a substantial effect on both properties. These findings suggest that a carefully controlled combination of treatment duration and NaCOH3 concentration can optimize the tensile strength of coco coir fibers for specific applications, albeit at the expense of elongation. This knowledge can be applied to various industries, including manufacturing, construction, and agriculture, thereby contributing significantly to the socio-economic advancement of coco coir-producing associations, and by extension, the communities and economies they support.