Abstract
Natural fibres are very versatile materials, their properties vary with chemical composition and physical structure. The effects of alkali, silane and combined alkali and silane treatments on the mechanical (tensile), morphological, and structural properties of Pine Apple Leave Fibres (PALF) and Kenaf Fibres (KF) were investigated with the aim to improve their compatibility with polymer matrices. The effectiveness of the alkali and saline treatments in the removal of impurities from the fibre surfaces was confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry (FTIR) observation. The morphological study of treated PALF and KF by SEM indicates that silane treated fibres have less impurities and lignin and hemicelluloses removed than those by other chemical treatments. Silane treated PALF and KF display better tensile strength than those of untreated, alkaline and NaOH-silane treated. Droplet test indicates that the Interfacial Stress Strength (IFSS) of alkali and silane treated PALF and KF are enhanced whereas silane treated fibres display highest IFSS. It is assumed that fibre treatments will help to develop high performance KF and PALF reinforced polymer composites for industrial applications.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.