Influence of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) Treatment on Mechanical Properties and Morphological Behaviour of Phoenix sp. Fiber/Epoxy Composites

The purpose of this present research work is to assess the static and dynamic mechanical properties of an eco-friendly natural cellulosic fiber (Phoenix sp.) reinforced epoxy composites. The cellulosic fiber was isolated from Phoenix sp. plant petioles, and it was treated with various concentrations of sodium hydroxide (5, 10, 15 and 20%) solution. The impact of treatments on tensile, flexural, impact and dynamic mechanical properties of the fabricated composite was explored and optimized. Moreover, the mechanically tested samples were subjected to morphological analysis to predict the failure mechanisms. The outcomes revealed that the treated fibers had good interfacial bonding with epoxy matrix (confirmed through morphological and single fiber pull-out studies), reduced the failure mechanisms (fiber pull-outs and fiber debonding) and exhibited good static and dynamic mechanical properties of composite materials than untreated fiber composites. It is concluded that composites fabricated using 15% of sodium hydroxide treated fiber could be used to manufacture automotive panels and other lightweight industrial products.