Structural and Thermal Properties of Chemically Modified Luffa Cylindrica Fibers

ABSTRACT

This present investigation is aimed at understanding the impact of various chemical treatments on the physicochemical properties of Luffa cylindrica fibers (LCFs). One of the major disadvantages of natural fiber as reinforcement materials in polymer composites is the incompatibility of hydrophilic nature of natural fiber and hydrophobic nature of polymers. So in this investigation, LCFs were pre-treated using optimal alkali solution followed by individual treatments with potassium permanganate, benzoyl peroxide and stearic acid to reduce the hydrophobic nature of LCF to use as reinforcement materials in composites which can be used for semi-structural applications such as household products, construction and building materials, car-interior components, etc. Further, the physicochemical properties of chemically modified LCFs were studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). It was noticed that all modified LCFs improved crystallinity and thermal stability. Moreover, the stearic acid treatment promoted the superior thermal stability of LCFs.

摘要

本研究旨在了解不同化学处理对丝瓜纤维理化性质的影响. 天然纤维作为聚合物复合材料增强材料的一个主要缺点是天然纤维的亲水性与聚合物的疏水性不相容. 因此，在本研究中，LCFs用最佳碱液预处理，然后用高锰酸钾、过氧化苯甲酰和硬脂酸单独处理，以降低LCF的疏水性，用作复合材料中的增强材料，可用于半结构应用，如家用产品，利用热重分析（TGA）和x射线衍射（XRD）对化学改性lcfs的物化性能进行了研究. 结果表明，所有改性LCFS均提高了液晶的结晶度和热稳定性。硬脂酸处理提高了LCFS的热稳定性.

KEYWORDS:

• Chemical treatment
• crystallinity index
• thermogravimetric analysis
• Luffa cylindrica fibers

关键词:

• 化学处理
• 结晶度指数
• 热重分析
• 丝瓜纤维