Surface Modification of Sisal Fibers (Agave sisalana) Using Bacterial Cellulase and Methyl Methacrylate

The hydrophilic nature of cellulose fibers often results in poor compatibility with hydrophobic polymer matrices. Therefore, it becomes necessary to modify the surface of natural fiber for better binding between fiber and matrix. Chemicals are commonly used for the modification of cellulosic materials but large amount of solvents are usually involved. Microwave radiation induced grafting is one of the promising methods for the surface modification of natural fibers. In the present paper, we have reported the microwave radiations induced grafting onto sisal fibers (Agave sisalana) using methyl methacrylate monomer, which has been compared to the surface modification of sisal fibers using bacterial cellulase. The effects of these treatments on the properties of sisal fibers are discussed in the present paper. The modified fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermal analysis techniques to determine their morphology, crystallinity and thermal stability.