Characterization of treated date palm tree fiber as composite reinforcement

Recently, great interest was paid to new technologies dealing with environmental aspect. Preservation of natural resources such as natural fibers forced the composite industry to search and examine eco-friendly components. Studies to find alternative reinforcements and resin systems that are environmentally friendly while providing the same performance as their synthetic counterparts are in continuous progress. The aim of this study is to investigate effect of different treatment process on the data palm fiber (DPF). Raw DPF underwent different surface modification methods such as alkali treatment with concentrations 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2.5% and 5%, and acid treatment with 0.3, 0.9 and 1.6 N. All treatments were performed at 100 degrees C for 1 h. The surface morphology, thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mechanical properties and chemical analysis, of treated DPF were investigated. Specimen treated with 1% NaOH showed optimum mechanical properties. Hydrochloric acid treatment resulted in deterioration in mechanical properties. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.