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Abstract

Coir fibers have been used as reinforcement of composite. To improve adhesion with matrix, modification of surface fibers has been performed with chemical treatment and physical treatment. In this paper, alkali and microwave treatments were implemented to characterize of coir fibers. The characterizations of treated coir fibers by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were studied. Tensile strength of treated coir fibers was also evaluated. The alkali and microwave treatment influenced chemical composition and crystallinity index of coir fiber based on characterization of FTIR and XRD respectively. Mechanical property of coir fiber tends to improve after treatment. Then, the surface roughness of treated coir fiber appeared which may enhance the interfacial adhesion of coir fiber with matrix.