Effects of mercerization and fiber sizing of coir fiber for utilization in polypropylene composites

Wasti, Sanjita; Vautard, Frederic; Clarkson, Caitlyn; Bhagia, Samarthya; Meyer, Harry M.; Gosnell, Anne; Tekinalp, Halil; Ozcan, Soydan; Vaidya, Uday

doi:10.1007/s10570-024-05997-4

Effects of mercerization and fiber sizing of coir fiber for utilization in polypropylene composites

Journal Article · Mon Jun 10 00:00:00 EDT 2024 · Cellulose

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-024-05997-4· OSTI ID:2376396

Wasti, Sanjita ^[1]; Vautard, Frederic ^[2]; ^[2]; ^[2]; ^[2]; Gosnell, Anne ^[1]; Tekinalp, Halil ^[2]; ^[2]; Vaidya, Uday ^[3]

Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (United States)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Univ. of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN (United States); Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI), Knoxville, TN (United States)

The use of natural fibers as an alternative to synthetic fibers for reinforcing composites is increasing. However, the poor interfacial adhesion between natural fibers and polymer matrices limits their applications. Several approaches have been considered to improve fiber-matrix adhesion via chemical and/or physical treatment. However, the effectiveness of these treatments varies based on the type of fiber, its source, and its composition. Thus, it is imperative to understand the effectiveness of treatment conditions. In this study, we investigated the influence of alkali treatment and fiber sizing on the chemical, thermal, morphological, and mechanical properties of coir fibers and the interface between coir fiber and polypropylene matrix. Further, it was found that using a 5 wt% sodium hydroxide solution for 6 h at room temperature was the optimal treatment condition that led to an improvement in tensile strength by 58%, tensile modulus by 71%, and elongation at break by 37% compared to untreated fibers, and an increment in interfacial shear strength (IFSS) between coir fibers and polypropylene matrix by 32%. The alkali treatment removed the fiber surface impurities, made the fiber surface rough, and enhanced the fiber crystallinity. Sizing of the alkali-treated fiber led to an improvement in IFSS by 87% with no modification of the fiber’s mechanical properties.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Energy Efficiency Office. Advanced Materials & Manufacturing Technologies Office (AMMTO)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC05-00OR22725

OSTI ID:: 2376396

Journal Information:: Cellulose, Journal Name: Cellulose Vol. 31; ISSN 0969-0239

Publisher:: SpringerCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
Alkali treatment
Coir fibers
Fiber properties
Interfacial shear strength (IFSS)
Natural fibers
Polypropylene composites
Sizing

Effects of mercerization and fiber sizing of coir fiber for utilization in polypropylene composites

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