Development of coconut fiber-corn cub ash hybrid reinforced polyvinyl chloride composites for shoe sole application

ABSTRACT

This research investigates the microstructural, mechanical, and physical properties of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix reinforced with coconut fiber (CF) and corn cob ash (CCA) as potential composite materials for shoe sole production. The reinforcement materials were treated and characterized before incorporation into the matrix phase (PVC). The composite samples had varying CF and CCA proportions within the range of 2–20 wt%. The results of the examinations carried out revealed that the presence of CF enhances the properties of the developed composites. Sample from 20 wt% coconut fiber-reinforced PVC had the optimum properties with ultimate tensile strength of 47.00 MPa, tensile modulus of 3.52 GPa, hardness of 81.00 HS, and wear index of 0.06 mg among all the samples produced while composites with 15 wt% CF–5 wt% CCA showed the best flexural strength of 48.60 MPa, flexural modulus of 3.77 GPa, and impact strength of 94.30 J/m². Hence, high proportion of CF in both composites supports the use of coconut fiber as reinforcement in PVC for shoe sole application where high flexibility and good impact resistance are essential.

摘要

本研究调查了椰子纤维 (CF) 和玉米芯灰 (CCA) 增强聚氯乙烯 (PVC) 基体的微观结构、机械和物理性能, 作为生产鞋底的潜在复合材料. 在加入基体相 (PVC) 之前, 对增强材料进行处理和表征. 复合样品的CF和CCA比例在2-20 wt%范围内变化. 测试结果表明, CF的存在提高了所开发复合材料的性能. 在所有生产的样品中, 20 wt%椰子纤维增强PVC的样品具有最佳性能, 极限拉伸强度为47.00 MPa, 拉伸模量为3.52 GPa, 硬度为81.00 HS, 磨损指数为0.06mg, 而15 wt.%CF-5 wt.%CCA的复合材料的弯曲强度为48.60 MPa, 弯曲模量为3.77 GPa, 冲击强度为94.30 J/m2. 因此, 两种复合材料中高比例的CF支持将椰子纤维用作PVC中的增强材料, 用于鞋底应用, 在鞋底应用中, 高柔韧性和良好的抗冲击性至关重要.

KEYWORDS:

• Polyvinyl chloride
• polymer composites
• biodegradability
• eco-friendly
• coconut fiber
• corn cob ash
• shoe sole

关键词:

• 聚氯乙烯
• 聚合物复合材料
• 生物降解性
• 环保
• 椰子纤维
• 玉米芯灰
• 鞋底

Highlights

• High wear resistance is one of the major properties expected of shoe soles; hence, the addition of these biodegradable materials with high wear resistance in PVC-based composites is a major development that can promote ecofriendly and sustainable product.

• The water absorption was noticed to be moderate due to the chemical treatment carried out on the coconut fiber and the use of ash content from corn cob, thereby reducing their affinity for water. Hence, this further justify the suitability of the material for shoe sole.

• It was discovered from the results that the presence of coconut fiber as single reinforcement enhances the properties of the developed composites more than the hybrid-based composites. Sample from 20 wt% coconut fiber-reinforced PVC had the optimum properties among all the samples produced, while composites with 15 wt% CF–5 wt% CCA hybrid composite showed the best flexural and impact properties. Hence, coconut fiber can be suitably used to reinforce PVC-based shoe soles.

• Hence, these compositions can be used to develop suitable shoe soles for varying applications like sport, fashion, farm, and workshop shoes and boots, respectively.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).