Effect of Different Chemical Treatments on Surface Morphology, Thermal and Tensile Strength of Bauhinia Vahlii (BV) Stem Fibers

ABSTRACT

Appropriate surface modifications are required to enhance the compatibility of natural fibers with polymer matrix to develop eco-friendly composites. One of such novel plant fibers is Bauhinia vahlii (BV) stem fiber. The present work aims to analyze the potentiality of this fiber as reinforcement to substitute synthetic fibers in composites. To enhance the properties of natural fibers, various chemical treatments like alkaline, peroxide, maleic anhydride and acrylation were conducted on BV fibers. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were conducted to inspect the effects of chemical treatment on the morphology and composition of fibers, respectively. The crystallinity indices were calculated from X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The improved tensile strength of the fiber after chemical treatment decides its usability as reinforcement in composites. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were also conducted on treated fiber to investigate its thermal stability.

摘要

为了提高天然纤维与聚合物基体的相容性，需要对其进行适当的表面改性，以制备环保型复合材料. 紫荆茎纤维是一种新型植物纤维. 本文旨在分析该纤维在复合材料中作为增强材料替代合成纤维的潜力. 为提高天然纤维的性能，对BV纤维进行了碱、过氧化物、马来酸酐和丙烯酸酐等化学处理. 采用SEM和FTIR分别考察了化学处理对纤维形态和组成的影响. 通过X射线衍射（XRD）分析计算结晶度指标. 化学处理后纤维拉伸强度的提高，决定了其作为复合材料增强材料的可用性.对处理后的纤维进行了热重分析（TGA）和差示扫描量热分析（DSC）研究其热稳定性.

KEYWORDS:

• Bauhinia vahlii fiber
• SEM
• XRD
• FTIR
• TGA
• tensile strength

关键词:

• 紫荆花纤维
• 抗拉强度