Properties of wood composites containing coconut coir fiber

Abstract

Utilizing coconut coir fiber can offer an alternative method of adding value to agricultural wastes and help to conserve the environment. The aim of this research was to investigate the potential use of coconut coir fiber as cement composite as an environmentally material. The properties of cement composites mixed with different proportions of paper wastes were compared with ordinary white Portland cement. In addition, the surface structure and chemical characteristics of samples were examined by a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectrometer (EDS). The results show that the main elements - C, O, Ca, Al, Si, and K, respectively were found in cement composites. The compressive and flexural strength of the cement composite decreased with an increase in the coconut coir fiber volume fraction.