Development and Evaluation of Physico-Chemical Properties of Functionalized Cannabis indica Fibers Reinforced Bio-Polymer Composites

Abstract

ABSTRACT The objective of this research work is to evaluate the variation in mechanical, thermal, dielectric and physico-chemical properties of Cannabis indica fibers fortified unsaturated polyester composites with respect to fiber proportions and type of surface functionalization techniques employed. The various surface functionalization techniques utilized were mercerization and silane, benzoyl chloride and acrylic acid/acrylonitrile graft copolymerization. To optimize fibers proportions, portrayal of polymer composites has been done by considering their mechanical properties like tensile, compressive and flexural strength, and the optimized values have been noted to be 22.66, 51.7 and 53.27 MPa, respectively, when stacked with 30% benzoylated fibers. These composite materials have additionally been assessed for their water absorbance, chemical strength and dampness absorbance behavior, and best properties were observed in case of benzoyl chloride and acrylonitrile grafted fibers. The optimized samples were then characterized by scanning electron microscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis techniques. Additionally, these composites have likewise been assessed for their dielectric properties and combustibility. Furthermore, the ability of magnesium hydroxide and zinc borate fire retardant fillers on the fire resistance properties of Cannabis indica fibers fortified polyester composites has also been examined and was noticed to increase the limiting oxygen index values of polymer composites from 20 to 23%.