2018 Intel ISEF, APPLIED SCIENCE

TENSILE PROPERTIES OF COCONUT HUSK

WITH REINFORCED EXTERIOR CALCIUM SULPHATE
HEMIHYDRATE, AN ELUCIDATION TO BIKER’S HEAD GEAR
Mary Ann J. Caramoan, Sharmaine M. Solayao
Grade 10 Section Faraday
M.B. Asistio Sr. High School
Caloocan City
National Capital Region

Abstract

The research focuses on some other uses of coconut as alternative

solution to biker’s head gear. This equipment is made of natural
materials such as coconut fiber, calcium sulphate hemihydrate and head
strap. The Researchers prompted to build this equipment for biker’s
head protection in a not normal condition. Through this, the Researchers
are able to reduce the risks of head injuries and be aware of damages
it may cause through our lives. As we all know, protective gears like
helmet is expensive due to polycarbonate plastic, fiber glass and
polystyrene. With the experimental investigation on coconut fiber as
replacement to head gear, the study shows an important element to
avoid accidents and prevents great damages through fatal accidents
which shorten the lives of its victims. To make a coconut husk helmet,
the Researchers gathered coconut fiber from the market which serves
as a coir at the top of the main material, put some holes for ventilation
purposes with the right cutting tool, fitting for a perfect grip to the
biker’s head followed by the installation of head’s straps to secure and
keep it in place and an addition of calcium sulphate hemihydrate on its
exterior which improves tensile property of the material. The
Researchers concluded that the review on experimental investigation on
coconut fiber as replacement to head gear based on conventional
compressive strength shows 35%, flexural strength shows 45%, and
split tensile strength shows 55% is considered significant. On one hand,
disposal problem is solved and on other hand the coconut husk is
gainfully utilized. The tabulation of percentage of replaced head gear
normal strength as that of conventional head gear showed nominal
results.

Keyword(s)

Coconut husk. A coconut fiber used to coir the research.