Abstract
In this paper, composites based on unsaturated polyester resin reinforced with short Alfa fibers are studied in detail. Alfa fibers have been previously treated with various concentrations NaOH (1, 3, 5, 7%) during 24 h. The influence of alkali treatment on fiber morphology is analyzed. Analysis by FTIR and X-ray diffraction showed physico-chemical changes in Alfa fiber treated surfaces. SEM observations also helped to highlight these changes. The results of static tests on composites showed improvements in tensile and flexural strengths of composites reinforced with the treated fibers, particularly the composite with treated fibers at 7% NaOH. These improvements were about 30% and 50%, respectively, compared to untreated fiber reinforced composite.
Highlights
IntroductionUntreated Alfa fibers/UP 1% Alkali treated Alfa fibers/UP 3% Alkali treated Alfa fibers/UP 5% Alkali treated Alfa fibers/UP 7% Alkali treated Alfa fibers/UP
It is clearly noticeable that the band around 1731.9 cm−1 corresponding to non-cellulosic components was disappeared, suggesting their removal from the fiber when this one was treated by 5% NaOH solution
The results have shown that the tensile strength and tensile modulus increased with the increasing of NaOH concentration
Summary
Untreated Alfa fibers/UP 1% Alkali treated Alfa fibers/UP 3% Alkali treated Alfa fibers/UP 5% Alkali treated Alfa fibers/UP 7% Alkali treated Alfa fibers/UP. Moisture absorption by the fibers [5]. To overcome this problem, specific physical and chemical treatments were suggested for surface modification of fibers by investigators. Alkali treatment is one of the simplest and most effective surface modification techniques which is widely used in natural fiber composites [2, 3]. Both untreated and alkali treated short fibers (after grinding) were used as reinforcement in unsaturated polyester resin composites. Tensile and flexural properties were determined at different concentrations of NaOH (0%, 1%, 3%, 5 and 7 wt%) during 24 h at ambient temperature. The alkali treatment was found to be effective in improving the tensile and flexural properties of Alfa fiber reinforced polyester resin
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