Abstract
ABSTRACT Appropriate surface modifications are required to enhance the compatibility of natural fibers with polymer matrix to develop eco-friendly composites. One of such novel plant fibers is Bauhinia vahlii (BV) stem fiber. The present work aims to analyze the potentiality of this fiber as reinforcement to substitute synthetic fibers in composites. To enhance the properties of natural fibers, various chemical treatments like alkaline, peroxide, maleic anhydride and acrylation were conducted on BV fibers. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were conducted to inspect the effects of chemical treatment on the morphology and composition of fibers, respectively. The crystallinity indices were calculated from X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The improved tensile strength of the fiber after chemical treatment decides its usability as reinforcement in composites. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were also conducted on treated fiber to investigate its thermal stability.
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