Influence of fiber surface modification on impact strength behaviour of Agave Lechuguilla fiber reinforced polymer composites

• Published in: Materials today : proceedings
• Main Authors: Majhi, Sudhakar, Pradhan, Subhrajit, Prakash, Ved, Kumar Acharya, Samir
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-03-2023
• Subjects: Agave Lechuguilla fiber; Chemical modification; EDS analysis; Impact strength; SEM; Agave Lechuguilla fiber; Chemical modification; SEM; Impact strength; EDS analysis
• ISSN: 2214-7853; 2214-7853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2023.02.416

Polymer composites reinforced with natural fibers are being investigated as a cost-effective alternative to synthetic fibers. Researchers are interested in natural fiber reinforcement in polymer composites because of the abundance of natural fibers and ease of production. Natural cellulosic fibers, because of their attractive characteristics such as easy availability, biodegradability, and acceptable strength properties, are being considered as an alternative to synthetic reinforcements in polymeric materials. However, the hydrophilicity and poor adhesion with polymers hinder the full utilization of these reinforcing materials in the composite industry. The hydrophilicity, as well as the poor adhesion of natural fibers, can be checked by altering the fiber surface using different types of chemicals. The objective of this study was to modify the surface of Agave Lechuguilla (AL) fiber with NaOH solution and to study its influence on epoxy-based composites. The characterization of the unmodified and NaOH-modified fiber was carried out by EDS analysis. Short treated and untreated AL fibers in various weight fractions (10 %, 20 %, 30 %, and 40 %) were used separately as reinforcement materials in composite fabrication. The samples were then cut according to ASTM standards for impact strength. According to the results of the experiments, NaOH-treated AL fiber reinforcement improves the strength of the epoxy-based composite, and the composite with 30 % fiber by weight provides better impact strength.