Tensile Properties and Structure Characterization of Palm Fibers by Alkali Treatment

Abstract

This work aims to reveal how the alkali influences the mechanical behavior and structural stability of palm fiber. First, palm fiber samples were treated with 20% and 40% NaOH solutions separately for approximately 1, 2, 3, and 4 h at room temperature. Then the samples were characterized using tensile testing, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. Results showed the tensile properties of alkali-treated fibers exceeded those of untreated fibers. Notably, the fibers treated with 40% NaOH for 1 h yielded the most significant improvements. The tensile strength, elongation at break, Young’s modulus, and yield point increased by 28.8%, 38%, 52.1%, and 64.7%, respectively, compared with the untreated fibers. The increase appeared to be due to the removal of non-cellulosic materials and rearrangement of the cellulose chains.