Exploration of Local cellulosic-fiber; its Modification and Potential use by the Industry

Abstract

ABSTRACTDemand for newer, stronger, stiffer, yet lighter-weight and environmental friendly (biodegradable) materials in the fields such as automobile for non-structural applications are ever increasing. The principal reasons for using natural (cellulosic) fibers is they possess several attractive properties such their economic feasibility, enhanced sustainability, good specific mechanical properties, and desirable aspect ratio for good performance after melt-processing. Natural fiber composite materials are now being rapidly utilized in automobile industries, and they have become the forefront of research and development activity. An interesting alternative for reinforcing soft polymeric matrices with short fibers is the use of cellulose fibers which show remarkable reinforcing effects in thermoplastics such as polypropylene. The current study made an attempt to investigate the suitability of sisal fibers for automobile industry for non-structural and low-strength interior applications. In this work native sisal fibers were extracted and the effect of alkali treatment on their morphological, tensile, moisture absorption and thermal properties were studied. Scanning electron micrographs indicated roughening of the surface of the fiber strands due to the removal of the hemicellulose layer on alkali treatment. The maximum weight-gain for the composite prepared from treated fibers was 2.12 %, while that for the composite prepared from untreated fiber was 4.33 %. From the thermograms, the results indicate initial degradation for the treated fiber to have improved from 174 °C to 230 °C (56 °C shift) when compared to the untreated fiber. This fiber has competitive advantages when evaluated with other natural fibers. A polymer composite was processed from the chemically modified fiber, profiled against equivalent material systems in Ashby material property charts exhibited its suitability for light, low strength and low flexure material applications which can use a potential replacement of fibres being used currently.