Comparative Study of Mechanical Properties of Chemically Treated and Untreated Cyrtostachys Renda Fibers

ABSTRACT

This study aims to investigate the effect of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment on the strength and stiffness of Cyrtostachys renda (CR) leaf stalk fibers, which could potentially serve as reinforcement for polymer composites. Chemical treatment was performed with NaOH concentrations of 1, 3, and 5 wt% at a soaking time of 1 and 2 hours. The tensile strength, interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and the surface morphology of the fibers were investigated. Based on statistical analysis, the concentration of NaOH significantly affected the tensile strength, while both the concentration of NaOH and treatment duration influenced the IFSS. Increases of 130% in tensile strength and of 423% in interfacial shear strength for the fiber treated at NaOH concentration of 3% at 1 hour soaking time were found, as well as an increased crystallinity index by 12% compared to untreated CR fiber. SEM analysis revealed that shrinkage of hollow structure by the NaOH treatment occurred and subsequently fiber get denser. It can be concluded that fiber treatment with 3% NaOH for 1 hour soaking time is ideal to enhance the fiber properties. Therefore, alkali (NaOH) treated CR fiber could be a potential candidate as reinforcement in polymer composite for structural and automotive components.

摘要

本研究旨在探讨氢氧化钠(NaOH)处理对叶梗纤维强度和刚度的影响,以期作为高分子复合材料的增强材料. 在浸泡时间为1小时和2小时的情况下,使用1,3和5 wt%的NaOH浓度进行化学处理. 研究了纤维的拉伸强度,界面剪切强度和表面形貌. 统计分析表明,NaOH浓度对拉伸强度有显著影响,而NaOH浓度和处理时间对IFSS均有影响. 浸泡1h,NaOH浓度为3%时,纤维的拉伸强度提高了130%,界面剪切强度提高了423%,结晶指数提高了12%. SEM分析表明,经NaOH处理后,中空纤维发生收缩,纤维致密化. 结果表明,用3%NaOH处理纤维,浸泡1h,是提高纤维性能的理想方法. 因此,碱(NaOH)处理的CR纤维可以作为结构和汽车部件用聚合物复合材料的增强材料.

KEYWORDS:

• Cyrtostachys renda
• leaf stalk
• NaOH treatment
• morphology
• mechanical properties

关键词:

• 叶柄
• NaOH处理
• 形态学
• 机械性能

Acknowledgments

This work is supported by UPM under GPB grant, 9668200. The authors would like to express their gratitude and sincere appreciation to the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Laboratory of Biocomposite Technology, Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP), Universiti Putra Malaysia (HiCOE) for the close collaboration in this research.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Universiti Putra Malaysia [GPB grant, 9668200].