Characterization of a Novel Polyalthia Longifolia Mid-rib Fibers as a Potential Reinforcement for Polymer Composites

Abstract

This research work makes use of a novel polyalthia longifolia leaf mid-rib fibers as a potential reinforcement for polymer composites. The fibers were subjected to sodium hydroxide treatments for different duration, and its effect on the tensile strength of the polyalthia fibers was examined. 6 h treatment was found to be optimum with a maximum tensile strength of 134 MPa. Scanning electron microscopy of the fiber surface revealed surface impurities, waxy granules and breakage of fibrils as some of the prominent features for variation in tensile strength. Fourier transform infrared spectra of all varieties of fibers supported function group modifications. Polyester-based composites were fabricated with 6 h treated fibers, and their mechanical properties were determined. Maximum values of tensile, flexural and impact strength obtained were 43MPa, 35MPa and 12 kJ/m² respectively. Fiber breakage, fiber pull-out and de-bonding were some of the fracture mechanisms observed through scanning electron micrographs of the polyalthia longifolia composites.

摘要

本研究利用一种新型的长叶聚乙烯醇叶中肋纤维作为聚合物复合材料的增强体. 对纤维进行不同时间的氢氧化钠处理，考察其对聚乙烯醇纤维拉伸强度的影响. 6h处理是最佳处理，最大拉伸强度为134mpa. 纤维表面的扫描电子显微镜显示纤维表面杂质、蜡质颗粒和纤维断裂是拉伸强度变化的一些显著特征. 各种纤维的傅立叶变换红外光谱支持官能团修饰. 用6h处理的纤维制备了聚酯基复合材料，并测定了其力学性能. 拉伸强度、弯曲强度和冲击强度的最大值分别为43MPa、35MPa和12kJ/m2. 纤维断裂、纤维拔出和脱粘是聚乙烯醇复合材料的一些断裂机制.

KEYWORDS:

• Polyalthia longifolia fibers
• polyester matrix
• sodium hydroxide
• mechanical properties
• fourier transform infrared spectra
• scanning electron microscopy

关键词:

• 聚乙烯醇长叶纤维
• 聚酯基体
• 氢氧化钠
• 力学性能
• 傅立叶变换红外光谱
• 扫描电子显微镜