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Napier grass is a high-productivity perennial grass that is a very important forage for animals in the tropics. In this research work, fiber strands from Napier grass were extracted and the effect of acetic acid treatment on their chemical composition, morphological and structural changes, and tensile and thermal properties was studied. The acid treatment was carried out using glacial acetic acid solution at three different concentrations (5, 10, and 15%) for 2 h. Chemical analysis indicated lowering of amorphous hemicellulose content on acid treatment. FT-IR spectroscopic studies revealed variation of functional groups on acid treatment. Scanning electron micrographs indicated roughening of the surface of the fiber strands due to the removal of the hemicellulose layer on acid treatment. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated an increase in crystallinity of the fiber strands on acid treatment. The thermal stability and tensile properties of the fiber strands increased on acid treatment. This fiber has competitive advantages when evaluated with other natural fibers and can be developed further as a potential reinforcement in polymer matrix composites. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Napier grass fiber strands were used as reinforcement to obtain composites with epoxy resin as matrix. To improve the surface, these fiber strands were treated with alkali solution. The composites were prepared by means of hand lay-up molding, then the effects of Napier grass fiber strand loading on mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural and impact, interfacial bonding, and chemical resistance were investigated. The composite with 20 wt.% Napier grass fiber strands gives excellent mechanical properties and chemical resistance, showing that it has the best bonding and adhesion of the composites. SEM micrographs of fractured and worn surfaces clearly demonstrate the interfacial adhesion between fiber and matrix. Alkali-treated Napier grass fiber strand–reinforced composites have better resistance to water and chemicals than the untreated fiber strand composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]