Abstract
ABSTRACT The chemical modification of natural palm fibers with an alkali treatment and the silane coupling agent KH570 were studied to determine the superior mechanical performance and solid engineering application properties of natural fiber/polymer/cement composites. These kinds of natural plant fibers can be easily obtained in China. The characterization of the fibers and composites were performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, mechanical property testing, water absorption testing, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that chemical modifications can remove part of the cellulose, hemicellulose, and impurities in the fibers. In addition, the functional groups were confirmed to be grafted onto the fibers, which may cause the fibers to be more compatible with the matrix. Among the fibers studied, the 2 + 5/3% sample (treated first with 2% alkali, then with the 5% silane coupling agent, and subsequently mixed into the system of 3% cement and polymer emulsion) showed a tensile strength of 2.12 MPa, a tensile elongation of 155.114%, and water absorption of 19.65%.
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