The Effects of Sodium Carbonate and Bicarbonate Treatments on Sisal Fibre Composites

Abstract

This work investigates the effect of eco-friendly chemical treatments on the mechanical and physical properties of composite laminates based on sisal fibres. A 2 2 3 1 full-factorial design is conducted to test the influence of chemical solution types, fibre treatment time, and polymer matrix type on the mechanical and morphological characterisation of the composites. Chemical treatments remove impurities from fibre surfaces, and enhance fibre-matrix adhesion. The treatments, especially with sodium carbonate (Na 2 CO 3 ), also progressively reduce the hemicellulose fibre content. Polyester composites made with sisal fibres treated with Na 2 CO 3 for 96h achieve enhanced strength and stiffness under tensile, compressive and impact loads. The results evidence the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed eco-friendly treatments for natural fibres and the application of renewable fibre laminates in secondary structural applications.

Study on Properties of New Biodegradable Plant Fiber (Agave Decipiens) for Polymer Reinforcement

“…Materials having excellent mechanical property and less impact on the environment has prompted a slew of studies into bio-sourced polymer composites. Plant-based fibers attract the most scientific interest of any natural fiber because they are abundant, cost-effective, bio-degradable, and they possess reasonable mechanical strength (Santos et al, 2022). Characteristics of natural fibers are primarily influenced depending on fiber constituents like hemicellulose, amorphous lignin, cellulose, and other impurities say wax and dust particles.…”