Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy and Chemical Resistance of Untreated and Alkali Treated Coconut Leaf Sheath Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

Abstract

In these days, natural fiber and its composites are gaining more interest and utilization of biofibers has increased because of growing concern towards economic, environmental and conservation issues. The present study investigates, Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy and chemical resistance properties on the coconut leaf sheath (CLS) reinforced Phenol Formaldehyde (PF) composites. Naturally woven coconut leaf sheath composites were prepared in both NaOH treated and untreated forms with volume fraction of 60% of sheath and 40% of Phenol Formaldehyde resin. CLS were chemically treated using 5% of NaOH and composite boards were made using a hydraulic hot press at 140°C. FTIR test was conducted for both treated and untreated CLS fiber composites. And it was found that, due to chemical treatment of fibers reduction in lignin and hemicellulose content was observed. The chemical resistance of alkali treated and untreated CLS composites were measured by chemical absorption and chemical thickness swelling methods. Treated and untreated composite samples were then placed in 1N of saline, Hcl, HNO3 and H2SO4 separately. It is also observed that, saline and Hcl have been absorbed more in case of untreated composites and HNO3and H2SO4 is absorbed more in treated composites. These tests were done to know that, these composites can be used in manufacturing products which gives better chemical resistance.