Abstract

AbstractMuch research related to the use of natural fibers in polymeric matrix composites has been developed. The presence of OH groups in the chemical components of the natural fibers generates an important hydrophylic tendency that produces adhesion lacks with hydrophobic polymeric matrices. In this work natural fiber bundles mechanically extracted from both stem and bunch of cultivation banana wastes have been modified by both alkalization and silanization treatments. To evaluate the changes introduced by treatments on the chemical structure of fibers, Fourier‐transform infrared spectrophotometry has been employed. The evaluation of advancing dynamic contact angles along with the determination of total surface free energy by using the Owens–Wendt method indicate that the treatments allow reduction of their hydrophilic tendency by alterations on the physicochemical characteristics of the fibers. This behavior is confirmed by the reduction of moisture uptake, analyzed by thermogravimetric analysis. Small differences on noncellulosic components of stem and bunch fiber bundles have been found. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 1489–1495, 2004

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 call

Disclaimer: 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.