Utilization of coconut fiber in crushed glass epoxy-resin countertop/ Jayvee M. Almirante, John Robert A. Gonzalo, Steven Nico D. Maala, and Paul Adrian R. Magbago.--

Bachelor's thesis

College of Industrial Technology.--
Bachelor of technology major in civil engineering technology: Technological University of the Philippines,
2020.

Includes bibliographic references and index.

The Philippines, a major producer of coconut, has seen a particular focus on utilizing
coconut fiber in composite materials. These natural fiber composites offer advantages
such as low cost, biodegradability, and improved sustainability. This study investigates
the use of coir, abundantly available in the Philippines, as a reinforcement in composite

materials for various applications, including countertops. Notably, coconut coir-
reinforced epoxy composites have shown promising mechanical properties comparable to

traditional glass fiber-reinforced composites. The study aims to develop and evaluate the
effect of combined shattered glass, coconut fiber, and epoxy resin in kitchen countertop
production. Specific objectives include developing a countertop using recycled coconut
fiber and crushed glass, determining the suitable mix design of raw materials, evaluating
product durability and physical properties, and assessing output acceptability. This
research contributes to addressing ecological concerns by utilizing waste materials and
promoting sustainability. It also benefits the agricultural sector by providing additional
value to coconut products and fostering innovation. Furthermore, it serves as a platform
for future research in composite material development and countertop manufacturing.
The study evaluates the compressive strength and water absorption properties of tested
mixes composed of epoxy resin, crushed glass, and coconut fiber for countertop
applications.. These findings underscore the importance of fine-tuning material
compositions to achieve desired performance characteristics, particularly in mitigating
water absorption for improved durability in countertop applications.