Abstract
Electron beam irradiation on natural fiber has an objective of delineating the highly crystalline cellulose structure of the fiber to increase their reactivity during fabrication of composite materials. In this study, high-energy electron beam of 6 MeV generated from medical linear accelerator is irradiated on fibers of luffa cylindrica (LC). The LC fibers are agricultural waste of the local regions and are plush in cellulose (60%). The X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of irradiated LC fiber revealed destruction of the glycosidic linkage and crystallinity of the fiber resulting in 38% crystallinity index. Fourier transform of infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) study indicates formation of carboxylic groups and free radicals in the backbone of cellulose chain. Hydrophilicity which is a major drawback of natural fibers is eliminated as indicated in thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) curve thus can enhance the fiber–matrix adhesion. Therefore, the findings of XRD, TGA and FTIR are promising and make the irradiated LC fiber suitable to be used as reinforcement in composite material.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
