Morphological, Microstructure, Tensile and Water-Sorption Characteristics of Surface Modified Kenaf Fibre for Sustainable Biocomposite Reinforcement

ABSTRACT

–The sustainable utilisation of Kenaf fibres (KF) as environmentally friendly reinforcement in mortar, concrete and polymer composites promotes the concept of a circular economy and sustainable construction. However, the hydrophilic nature of such biofibres adversely affects their structural applications as reinforcement in concrete, mortar and polymer. Therefore, the study examined the effect of alkali treatment (mercerization) on the surface sorption characteristics of KF. The effect of water sorption characteristics on the mechanical properties of surface-modified and untreated KF was also investigated in the study. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to examine the morphology and microstructure of the fibre surface along with the tensile fracture of the swollen/un-swollen fibres. The water absorption studies revealed that mercerization reduced the overall water uptake of KF by 16%, which enhanced the adhesion of the fibre surface. The findings provide the knowledge required by scientists and engineers for determining the water requirements for the design of bio-fibrous concrete composites.

摘要

可持续利用红麻纤维（KF）作为砂浆、混凝土和聚合物复合材料中的环保钢筋，促进了循环经济和可持续建设的概念. 然而，这种生物纤维的亲水性对其在混凝土、砂浆和聚合物中的结构应用产生了不利影响. 因此，研究了碱处理（丝光）对KF表面吸附特性的影响. 研究了表面改性和未改性KF的吸水特性对力学性能的影响. 用扫描电子显微镜观察了纤维表面的形貌和微观结构，以及膨胀/未膨胀纤维的拉伸断裂. 吸水性研究表明，丝光处理使KF的总吸水率降低了16%，从而增强了纤维表面的附着力. 这些发现为科学家和工程师提供了确定生物纤维混凝土复合材料设计需水量所需的知识.

关键词:

• 生物纤维
• 生物复合材料
• 红麻纤维
• 表面改性
• 碱处理

KEYWORDS:

• Biofibres
• bio-composite
• kenaf fiber
• surface modification
• alkali treatment

Acknowledgments

The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Federal University of Technology (Minna, Nigeria), Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), and the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN). The contribution of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is also acknowledged.