Modification of Coir Geotextiles for Enhanced Mechanical Properties as a Sustainable Alternative

Geotextiles are permeable geosynthetic materials employed in civil construction projects to enhance the performance of soil through their capabilities of soil separation, filtration, reinforcement, protection, and drainage. However, the majority of geotextile materials currently in use are derived from non-biodegradable fossil fuels, contributing to environmental pollution. Among the natural alternatives, coir geotextiles are widely utilized in various soil engineering applications. Nevertheless, natural fiber geotextiles, including coir, face challenges such as shorter lifespans and lower mechanical properties. One promising approach to address these limitations involves graft modification with compatible vinyl monomers, effectively altering the properties of natural fibers. This study focuses on graft-modifying coir geotextiles with methyl methacrylate monomer, and the resulting physical and mechanical properties are thoroughly examined. The findings reveal a noticeable improvement in tensile strength, specifically a 33.29% increase in the machine direction and a 21.27% increase in the cross-machine direction due to the grafting process. Additionally, the water absorption percentage of the modified geotextiles is reduced, suggesting a potential extension of the geotextile material’s lifespan. Moreover, the study observes a lower percentage reduction in tensile strength after 1 month of exposure to soil for the modified geotextile compared to the unmodified version. This enhanced strength and increased durability imply that the modified geotextile could serve as a viable substitute for synthetic alternatives.