Abstract
In the present study, novel natural fiber composites, consisting of untreated and alkali(NaOH)-treated chopped henequen fibers and polyamide 6 (PA6), were produced by the hopper feeding and side feeding of henequen fiber, upon the extrusion process, and then by an injection molding process, respectively. The effects of the alkali treatment and fiber feeding route on the heat deflection temperature, tensile, flexural, and Izod impact properties of henequen fiber/PA6 composites were investigated. The composite properties were increased by alkali treatment and further increased, considerably, by side feeding of the henequen fiber, being supported by inspecting the fiber length distribution and the fracture surface of resulting composites. It was clarified that the side feeding of chopped henequen fibers was preferable to increase the composite properties, compared to hopper feeding. This study may be worthy of processing and manipulating the properties of novel natural fiber composites, consisting of agave plant-derived henequen fiber and engineering plastic PA6.
Highlights
IntroductionEnvironmental pollution and regulations have been leading to the development of new materials, based on natural resources, over recent years
Henequen fiber has been extensively utilized to make twines, ropes, carpets, and cordages for a long period of time. It has often been used as reinforcement for making NFRP with thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers, due to its high specific stiffness and strength [5–7]
◦ C) in the barrel fibers can be influenced by the highest temperature exposure
Summary
Environmental pollution and regulations have been leading to the development of new materials, based on natural resources, over recent years. Plastics reinforced with plant-based or cellulose-based natural fibers, such as kenaf, flax, jute, hemp, henequen, sisal, etc., have attracted great attention as renewable materials, due to many advantages over GFRP, for many years. Industrial natural fibers, which can be used in NFRP, are inexpensive, light weight, biodegradable, processible with polymer resins, environmentally friendly, etc. Henequen fiber has been extensively utilized to make twines, ropes, carpets, and cordages for a long period of time. It has often been used as reinforcement for making NFRP with thermoplastic or thermosetting polymers, due to its high specific stiffness and strength [5–7]. Henequen is composed of approximately 77% cellulose, 4–8% hemicellulose, 13% lignin, 2–6% pectin, and waxes [8,9]
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