Mechanical characterization of the green coconut fiber for application in the footwear industry

Abstract

In the tropical countries, the green coconut water consumption generates a great problem with the fruit final destination. To minimize this problem, it is necessary to find applicability to the residues. In this sense, this study had as its objective to investigate the characteristics of the green coconut fiber, from the fruit disposed in the city of Francisco Morato – Sao Paulo, and to compare them to the characteristics from other natural fibers, to check the viability of application of these fibers in the manufacturing of shoe parts. It was made a biological maceration on the fibers and traction and microscopy tests were run. The results showed that the green coconut fibers have potential related to other natural fibers studied in literature, to be used as reinforcement in the manufacturing of shoe parts and other design products