5 - Physical and mechanical properties

Abstract

The effects of chemical treatment on the surface characteristics of sisal fibres and their physical/mechanical properties have been investigated. The sisal fibre was extracted by manually beating the sisal leaves with a smooth edged stick followed by chemical modification of the fibres using alkaline treatment method with NaOH at different concentrations and time intervals and at a constant temperature of 65 oC. The surface morphology and physical and mechanical characteristics of the treated and untreated sisal fibre samples was studied. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs revealed the rough surface topography of the sisal fibres caused by alkali modification which increased with increased concentration. Furthermore it was observed that fibre tenacity increases with increase in NaOH concentration. However, beyond 20 % NaOH concentration, decrease in tenacity is observed. Fibre breaking extension increases with increase in NaOH concentration. Moisture regain decreases with increase in NaOH concentration.