Impact of Alkali Treatment on Characterization of Tapsi (Sterculia Urens) Natural Bark Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites

Nowadays, research attention on composite materials accentuates where not only was their unique attributes agglomerated-alleviated weight and density, elevated impact and specific strengths, but also on where their bio-degradability and eco-friendliness transpires. In these, the alkali treated composites, to meet the needs of the aforementioned attributes and economy, with significant applicability in the market avenues. Hence, the present experimental study endeavors on investigating the effect of alkali treatment on mechanical and thermal properties of Tapsi fiber-reinforced polymer composites. Further, their characterization was done using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies. From the results, it is found that 15 gms Tapsi fiber reinforced with NaOH treated specimens exhibited 43.02 MPa and 160 MPa of tensile and flexural strengths, respectively, which is notable and 10 gms Tapsi fiber reinforced with NaOH treated specimens revealed more thermal stability. The results are witnessed that showcase the effect of alkali treatment on the aforementioned properties through different characterization techniques.

Automated summary

Recent research has focused on composite materials for their unique attributes, including reduced weight and density, improved impact and specific strengths, as well as their biodegradability and eco-friendliness. Alkali-treated composites have significant applicability in the market, particularly in terms of meeting specific attributes and economic needs. The experimental study on Tapsi fiber-reinforced polymer composites revealed enhanced mechanical and thermal properties after alkali treatment, as demonstrated by various characterization techniques.