Characterisations of the electron beam impact on natural coir fibers

The surface morphology of coir fibers irradiated by electron beam has been investigated by scanning electron microscopic analysis. The tensile strength and thermal properties of the treated and untreated coir fibres are further investigated by using Instron tensile tests and thermo gravimetric analysis. From SEM studies it become obvious that the waxy, pectin and primary layers of coir fibers, which have heterogeneous structures, are removed from the fiber surface by electron beam irradiation. But high dose of irradiation is found to be detrimental to the tensile and thermal properties of coir fibers. It is therefore suggested that electron beam irradiation at 10kGy dose can be used to improve the surface properties of coir fibres and preserves the fibre thermal and mechanical properties.