Evaluating physical and mechanical properties of Coco peat/nano clay/nano TiC nanocomposite

The aim of this is to create and evaluate nanocomposite materials made from coco peat agricultural waste for use in future structural applications. The composites were manufactured by compression moulding. The manufacturing process began with a 4-hour soak of coco peat filler in a 5 % NaOH solution. Nano titanium carbide (NT) and nano clay (NC) concentrations were investigated for their influence on the physical-mechanical characteristics of a nanocomposite based on coir. Loading with 6 wt% NT and 4 wt% NC significantly enhanced mechanical properties. The incorporation of different nanoparticles decreased both the composite’s swelling in thickness and its absorption of water. After 21 days, water absorption was reduced by 6, 9, and 18 % respectively, when NT was included at 2, 4, and 6 wt %. The highest concentration of NC filler (4 wt %) resulted in a 4.12 % increase in moisture content, while the lowest concentration (2 wt %) resulted in a 5.24 % decrease in water uptake and the highest concentration (3 wt %) resulted in a 9.14 % decrease. The effects of NT and NC on increasing adhesion due to interactions between coco peat and polymer matrices.