Silane Functionalization of Saccaharum cilliare Fibers: Thermal, Morphological, and Physicochemical Study

Abstract

Lignocellulosic natural fibers are promising materials for use as reinforcement in composites for a wide variety of polymers. Silane treatment through aminopropyl triethoxy silane as a simple and convenient method for surface modification of Saccaharum cilliare fibers is introduced in this article. The surfaces of lignocellulosic fibers have been treated with silane coupling agent for evaluating the physicochemical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform-infrared spectrophotometry (FT-IR), thermogravimetric/differential thermal/derivative thermogravimetry (TGA/DTA/DTG), absorption in different solvents, moisture absorbance, water uptake, and chemical resistance measurements were used as characterization techniques for evaluating the nature of these surface-modified lignocellulosic natural fibers. Additionally, polymer composites were prepared using Saccaharum cilliare fibers as reinforcement and phenol-formaldehyde as novel polymer matrix resin. Effect of fiber dimension on mechanical properties of polymer matrix resin such as tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and wear resistance properties was evaluated. Polymer composites prepared were also subjected to evaluation of morphological and physicochemical properties.