Experimental investigation of structural stabilization in Sunn Hemp fiber and its influence on flexural, tensile, electrical properties of reinforced composite

The present paper will address a chemical treatment of potassium hydroxide (KOH) to modify Sunn Hemp fiber by reducing noncellulosic components from its surface. The structure, surface, and functional elements of the Sunn Hemp fiber are examined by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron spectroscopy (FESEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. Mechanical and dielectric studies are carried out for Sunn Hemp reinforced composite. Experimental studies revealed an increment in crystallinity and crystalline size of cellulose with a high concentration of KOH solution. Changes in surface morphology and functional group elements of fiber are also noticed. Mechanical studies disclosed high flexural and tensile strength results of the composite due to increased crystallinity in fiber. In the dielectric study of composites, the spectra show a good fitting with the Havriliac-Negami model, and the conduction process follows overlapping large polaron tunneling (OLPT) mechanism.

Automated summary

This paper investigates the chemical treatment of Sunn Hemp fiber using potassium hydroxide (KOH) to reduce noncellulosic components on its surface. The experimental results show that a high concentration of KOH solution can increase the crystallinity and crystalline size of cellulose, as well as alter the surface morphology and functional group elements of the fiber. The mechanical and dielectric studies reveal that the increased crystallinity leads to enhanced flexural and tensile strength in the composite material, and the conduction process follows the overlapping large polaron tunneling (OLPT) mechanism.