Polymer modified grass fiber, part 1: Characterization of grass fiber and assessment of properties of polymer modified fiber

Abstract

Natural fibers are used for reinforcement of ecofriendly green composites. These grass fibers have wide range of applications for the preparation of various domestic goods and handicraft items. But the chemical composition of the grass fiber has not been reported; therefore composition analysis of grass fiber was carried out. Morphology of the dry grass was studied by using scanning electron microscopy. Since the grass fiber contains around 22% water-soluble matters, we have studied its influence on the tensile strength and aging characteristics. The tensile strength of the grass fiber was measured before and af-ter water leaching. This study has shown a definite scope for the suitability of grass fiber in composite applications. To improve the strength of grass fiber, modification with various polymers such as P-F resin, polyurethane and acrylamide was carried out. Moisture absorption property of unleached, water-leached and different polymer modified fiber was also evaluated.

Tensile and lignocellulosic properties of Prosopis chilensis natural fabric

“…Thus, more crystalline and heat resistant cellulose molecules are left over after alkali treatment. Similar results were also reported by Debasish et al17…”

“…The effect of alkali treatment on the crystallinity of cellulosic materials has been investigated by various researchers. Marianne Le et al17 reported that alkali treatment hydrolyses the amorphous parts of cellulose present in fibers and treated material contains more crystalline cellulose. This is due to formation of Cell O‐Na + structure after the treatment and Na + ions come to fit in the unit cell of cellulose 18.…”

Curing characteristics and mechanical properties of rattan‐powder‐filled natural rubber composites as a function of filler loading and silane coupling agent

“…These probably due to the inclusion of rigid and hard rattan into soft rubber matrix which tends to immobilize the movement of macromolecular rubber chains. The more rattan is added, the more restriction in mobility is experienced by the rubber chains and as a result natural rubber composites become harder and stiffer 16–20. Besides, Costa et al8 reported that this phenomenon leads to difficulties in mixing.…”

“…The elasticity of composites is reduced resulting in more stiff and rigid composites. This leads to lower resistance to break 6, 8, 17–18, 20. M 100 and M 300 increased while elongation at break reduced further as silane CA added into the composites.…”

Oil palm microcomposites: Processing and mechanical behavior

“…Here, the addition of SPC increased the mechanical properties of the composites. Effects of bonding agents on the curing characteristics and mechanical properties of alkali‐treated grass/NR composites have been studied by Debasish et al [16]. Thomas and coworkers [17, 18] showed that short coir, sisal, and banana fiber can be used as reinforcement for NR, polypropylene, and thermoset resins.…”