Sisal fiber-reinforced green composites: Effect of ecofriendly fiber treatment

This research endeavor explores the effect of economical and environment-friendly treatment of sisal fibers, prior to their incorporation into poly-lactic acid (PLA). Biocomposites incorporating sisal fibers (30% [w:w]) treated with sodium bicarbonate (10% [w:v]) aqueous solution for varying time periods (24, 72, 120, and 168 h) were developed using extrusion-injection molding process. Thermogravimetric analysis, morphological examination, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and lignocellulosic composition analysis of raw and treated sisal fibers established a gradual removal of hemicellulosic content from fiber surface with increasing treatment time. Biocomposites incorporating sisal fibers treated for 72 h exhibited optimum tensile, flexural, and compressive properties. While in case of impact testing, biocomposites incorporating sisal fibers treated for 24 h exhibited maximum impact strength. The optimum results were found comparable to sodium hydroxide treated sisal fiber-reinforced biocomposites. Hence, considering commercialization of biocomposites, sodium bicarbonate treatment offers huge potential to substitute ecologically hazardous sodium hydroxide treatment ensuring good mechanical properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:4310-4321, 2018. (c) 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers