Abstract
Studies on the use of natural fibers as replacement to man-made fiber in fiber-reinforced co mposites have increased and opened up further industrial possibilities. Natural fibers have the advantages of low density, low cost, and biodegradability. However, the main d isadvantages of natural fibers in co mposites are the poor co mpatibility between fiber and matrix and the relative high mo isture sorption. Therefore, chemical treat ments are considered in modify ing the fiber surface properties. In this study, Sisal fibers were modified using alkali and benzoyl pero xide solution of different concentration for different time intervals. Morphological changes, thermal stability and crystallinity of fibers were investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM), TGA and XRD technique. Thermal stability of sisal fibers were decreased on mercerization. Whereas, sisal fibers treated with benzoyl pero xide the enhanced thermal stability. In case of XRD studies, sisal fibers show enhanced crystallin ity.
Highlights
Effect o f chemical t reat ments on surface mo rphology, therma l behavior and structure of natural fibers was reported by various authors[1,2,3,4]
We have reported the mercerizat ion and peroxide treat ments of sisal fibers using sodium hydroxide and benzoyl pero xide of different concentration and for d ifferent time interval
Before chemical treat ment sisal fiber were previously cut in definite size, washed with distill water and dried at 60°C followed by so xhlet extract ion of sisal fibers with acetone for 72 hours and purified fibers were d ried at roo m temperature
Summary
Effect o f chemical t reat ments on surface mo rphology, therma l behavior and structure of natural fibers was reported by various authors[1,2,3,4]. Cellu losic fibers are hygroscopic in nature; moisture absorption can result in swelling o f the fibers which may lead to micro-cracking of the composite and degradation of mechanical p roperties This problem can be overco me by treating these fibers with suitable chemicals to decrease the hydroxyl groups which may be involved in the hydrogen bonding within the cellu lose mo lecules. We have reported the mercerizat ion and peroxide treat ments of sisal fibers using sodium hydroxide and benzoyl pero xide of different concentration and for d ifferent time interval Effect of these treatments on morphology, crystallinity and therma l stability of sisal fibers is meagerly reported in literature
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