1. Comprehensive characterization of raw and alkali (NaOH) treated natural fibers from Symphirema involucratum stem.
- Author
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Raju, Juvvi Siva Naga, Depoures, Melvin Victor, and Kumaran, P.
- Subjects
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COMPOSITE structures , *LIGHTWEIGHT materials , *SURFACE preparation , *THERMAL properties , *THERMAL stability , *FIBROUS composites , *NATURAL fibers - Abstract
The present study investigated the effect of alkali treatment on the enhancement of Physico-chemical, tensile, thermal and surface properties of Symphirema involucratum stem fiber (SISF). The investigation of chemical constituents of optimally alkalized SISF revealed that ideal increment of cellulose content (68.69 wt%) and desired modification of other chemical components was accomplished through 60 min immersion period. An increase in the crystallinity index to 33.33% and small crystallite size to 3.21 nm was noted by X-ray diffraction analysis. Moreover, the treated fiber was found suitable for light-weight applications since physical analysis acknowledges that the density of the fiber augmented to 1424 kg/m3after surface treatment that reduces total weight percentage. The enhancements in tensile strength (471.2 ± 19.8 MPa), tensile modulus (5.82 ± 0.77 GPa) and thermal stability (371 °C) were noted that ensures the treated fiber has good mechanical and thermal properties required for composite preparation. These findings validated that the optimally surface-modified SISF is a suitable material for lightweight composite structures, for the time being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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