An Evaluation of the Porosity and Pore Volume Fractions of Coir Fibres in Relation to Their Diameters and Tensile Properties at a Crosshead Displacement Rate of 0.5 mm/Minute for Composite Applications

• Chioma I. MADUEKE

  Author

• Reginald UMUNAKWE

  Author

• Oluwole D. ADIGUN

  Author

The diameters, tensile properties at a cross-head displacement rate of 0.5 mm/minute and porosity (via microstructure) of as-received coconut fibres have been investigated. The average diameter and average tensile strength obtained from 30 individual brown coconut fibres of the same batch were 0.227 ± 0.04 mm and 138.57 ± 55.05 MPa respectively. 40% of the samples with an average diameter of  0.200 ± 0.04 mm showed high tensile strengths (above average) of 190.93 ± 42.57 MPa, another 40% with average diameter of 0.249 ± 0.03 mm showed low tensile strength (below average) of 88.89 ± 20.80 MPa while 20% of the samples showed mid tensile strength (within the average). The volume fraction of the coconut fibre pores (porosity) was  31.7 ± 7.59%. The average pore count, pore size and pore perimeter were: 609 ± 129, 84.55 ± 28.75 µm² and 31.91 ± 6.23 µm respectively within the studied diameter range. More than 74% of the fibres showed increase in the pore volume fraction as the diameter of the fibre increased. Both the porosity and pore count increased with increase in diameter. The microstructures of the fibres indicate the level of the fibre porosity which may have contributed to its tensile properties. Coir fibre porosity can be applied in the design and development of new materials for engineering applications such as light weight composites and insulating panels.

• 26_Madueke et al. (2026)

Copyright (c) 2026 Chioma I. MADUEKE, Reginald UMUNAKWE, Oluwole D. ADIGUN (Author)

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