Effect of Benzoylation and Graft Copolymerization on Morphology, Thermal Stability, and Crystallinity of Sisal Fibers

Natural fibers have received vast attention because of their lightweight, combustible, non toxic, low cost, and biodegradable properties. Chemical treatment of natural fibers can clean the fiber surface, stop the moisture absorbance, and increase the surface roughness, which enhance the bond strength between fiber and matrix. In this study, Benzoylation and grafting of sisal fibers were reported using benzoyl chloride of different concentrations and methyl acrylate monomer, respectively. Structure and properties of natural fibers have an obvious effect on the mechanical properties of the biocomposite materials. Therefore, it is thus necessary to know the morphology, thermal stability, and crystalline behavior of original and chemically treated sisal fibers. Morphological changes, thermal stability and crystallinity of fibers were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction techniques. It has been observed that benzoylation and graft copolymerization enhanced the thermal stability and crystallinity of sisal fibers.