Effect of Mercerization on Coconut Fiber Surface Condition for Use in Natural Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites

S. P. Simelane, D. M. Madyira

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterpeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

The usage of natural fibers requires that they should be pretreated in preparation for their application as reinforcement in Natural Fiber-Reinforced polymer composites. The treatment modifies the fiber surface to improve bonding between the fibers and the polymer matrix. This paper reports on the effects of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment on the surface of coconut fibers. The fibers were subjected to 5, 10, 15 and 20% NaOH concentrations and soaked for 4 hours. They were then thoroughly rinsed and allowed to dry in open air for 7 days after which they were dried in an oven for 30 min. Untreated and treated coconut fibers were observed under the Scanning Electron Microscope. It was noted that each of the NaOH concentrations modified the surface morphology of the fibers differently. The resultant colour of the treated fibers was seen to get darker as the solution concentration increased. The increase in alkali concentration striped the surface of more constituents, thus exposing not only the microfibrils, but also “pits” and other surface components, rendering the fiber surface coarse. This would promote improved bonding within a composite material.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationLecture Notes in Production Engineering
PublisherSpringer Nature
Pages701-713
Number of pages13
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Production Engineering
VolumePart F1162
ISSN (Print)2194-0525
ISSN (Electronic)2194-0533

Keywords

  • Coconut fiber
  • Sodium hydroxide
  • Surface treatment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
  • Economics, Econometrics and Finance (miscellaneous)
  • Safety, Risk, Reliability and Quality

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