Chemical treatment of sisal fiber using alkali and clay method

In this study the chemical treatment of sisal fiber using the combined alkali (NaOH) and clay is discussed. The purpose of this fiber treatment is to improve the fiber-matrix compatibility, interface strength, mechanical, thermal and water barrier properties. The phase change due to chemical treatment of raw sisal fiber was examined by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) methods. The result shows the presence of about 20 wt.% clays in NaOH-clay treated sisal fiber with 2.6x reduced water uptake and also with improved mechanical and thermal properties. Subsequently the treated and untreated fibers were reinforced in polypropylene (PP) matrix and the mechanical and thermal properties were examined. The result indicates that the fiber-matrix interface strength, adhesion, glass transition temperature and tensile properties of composites were improved in NaOH-clay treated fiber composites. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.