Thermogravimetry and Interfacial Characterization of Alkaline Treated Cantala fiber/Microcrystalline Cellulose-Composite

Abstract

The effects of alkali treatment on morphology, thermal stability, and interfacial shear strength of cantala fiber (CF) were investigated. CF untreated and treated with 6% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for soaking times 3 h, 6 h, 9 h, 12 h, and 15 h. The results of untreated and treated fibers were observed by the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The results of scanning electron microscopy on the CF surface showed cleaner fibers and increased surface roughness by alkali treatment. Alkali treatment has changed the characteristics of the fiber surface topography as seen in the SEM results. CF with soaking over 6 h occurs of damage to the fibrils and fiber structure. Prolonged treatment results in poor fiber quality. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is used to measure the amount and rate of change in CF weight that is not treated and treated. The results of the study show that alkaline treatment improves most of the fiber’s properties. The thermal stability of treated CF is higher than that of untreated. Interface shear strength tests show that fiber with 6% treatment, and 6 h soaking, gives the most upper strength of 3.67 MPa, an increase of 47.39% if compared before treatment. Flexural strength and modulus of elasticity were increased with alkali treatment and the addition of microcrystalline cellulose.