Eucalyptus Kraft pulp fibers as an alternative reinforcement of silicone composites.: I.: Characterization and chemical modification of Eucalyptus fibers with organosilane coupling agent

In this study, bleached Eucalyptus fibers obtained by a Kraft pulping process were characterized prior to and after chemical modification with a silane coupling agent, vinyltriethoxysilane, for use as an alternative additive in composites based on silicone. The presence of a silane coating on the fiber surface was observed by infrared, energy dispersive, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The morphology of the fibers was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The untreated fibers were ribbon-shaped and had a rough surface, due to the presence of fibrils. The coating reaction conducted in ethanol gave rise to loose fibrils and a more rough surface compared with those of untreated fibers. A smoother surface was observed when fibers were modified in tetrahydrofuran. The surface topography of the fibers was also examined by atomic force microscopy. (C) 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.