Characterization of Chemically and Thermo-chemically Treated Water Reed and Mokolwane Palm Fibers

ABSTRACT

Water reed (Phragmites spp.) and mokolwane palm (Hyphaene spp.) natural fibers, building materials indigenous to Botswana are potential reinforcement materials in manufacturing composites due to their desirable light weight, mechanical properties, and recyclable nature. Nevertheless, the surface modification mechanism and its effects on the quality characteristics of these fibers have not been explored. This study compares the impact of chemical and thermo-chemical surface treatments on the properties of the fibers. Furthermore, a suitable treatment method and fiber to produce natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPCs) were identified. Thermo-chemical treatment is more effective in improving the thermal resistance and mechanical properties of the fibers relative to chemical treatment. Water reed fiber treated by 1.5 wt.% NaOH solution for 15 days followed by thermal treatment at 80°C for 24 hours is best for suitable for building insulation applications considering its quality characteristics (namely: tensile strength (76.41 MPa), CI (59.2%), CS (21.44 nm) and degradation temperature range of 288–598°C). Surface modification mechanism of the fibers by chemical treatment occurred via dissolution of hemicellulose which increased the interfibrillar region while the incorporation of thermal treatment further promoted the rupture of bonds existing between the cellulose and hemicellulose.

摘要

芦苇（Phragmites spp.）和木荷（Hyphaene spp.）天然纤维; 博茨瓦纳本土建筑材料; 由于其理想的重量轻、机械性能和可回收性，是制造复合材料的潜在增强材料. 然而，对这些纤维的表面改性机理及其对其质量特性的影响尚不清楚. 本研究比较化学和热化学表面处理对纤维性能的影响. 此外，还确定了制备天然纤维增强聚合物复合材料（NFRPCs）的合适处理方法和纤维. 与化学处理相比，热化学处理能更有效地提高纤维的耐热性和力学性能. 水芦苇纤维经1.5wt.%NaOH溶液处理15d，然后在80℃下热处理24h，其质量特性（即抗拉强度（76.41mpa）、CI（59.2%）、CS（21.44nm）和降解温度范围288-598℃）最适合于建筑保温应用. 化学处理对纤维的表面改性机理是半纤维素的溶解，增加了纤维间的区域，而热处理的引入进一步促进了纤维素与半纤维素间键的断裂.

KEYWORDS:

• Mokolwane palm tree (hyphaene spp.)
• water reed (phragmites spp)
• cellulose fiber characterization
• alkali treatment
• surface modification
• FTIR analysis
• SEM analysis
• TG analysis
• XRD analysis
• single fiber tensile test

关键词::

• 莫柯尔万棕榈树
• 芦苇
• 纤维素纤维特性
• 碱处理
• 表面改性
• 红外光谱分析
• 扫描电镜分析
• 热重分析
• 射线衍射分析
• 单纤维拉伸试验

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Botswana International University of Science and Technology [S00200].