PREPARATION OF COMPOSITES BASED ON BIOPLASTIC COIR FIBER FOR PRODUCING NURSERY CONTAINERS.

Abstract

                    In this study, the biopolymer from coir fiber was used to prepare biocomposite materials for making nursery containers. The flexural strength, tensile strength, and impact strength of composites were evaluated and compared to biodegradable polymers. Water absorption test was carried out by immersion of specimens in water at room temperature. The result showed that mechanical properties were improved by increasing the coir fiber content. The water absorption of composites decreased by increasing the coir fiber content from 10-30 wt.%. Biodegradation assessment by composting tests in aerobic environment demonstrated that the developed biocomposite materials degraded over 60% in 60 days. The result also suggested that the biocomposite containing 30 wt.% coir fiber revealed to be the most suitable materials for producing nursery containers.