Surface Modification and Mechanical Properties Improvement of Bamboo Fibers Using Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Treatment

Abstract

The effect of argon (Ar) and oxygen (O2) gases as well as the treatment times on the properties of modified bamboo fibers using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma at generated power of 180 W were investigated. The plasma treatment of bamboo fibers with inert gases leads to the generation of ions and radicals on the fiber surface. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that the functional groups of lignin and hemicellulose were reduced owing to the removal of the amorphous portion of the fibers by plasma etching. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) results in an increased crystallinity percentage. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results showed the oxygen/carbon (O/C) atomic concentration ratio increased with increasing treatment time. The fiber weight loss percentage increased with increased treatment time. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that partial etching of the fiber surface led to a higher surface roughness and area and that the Ar + O2 gas plasma treatment provided more surface etching than the Ar gas treatment because of the oxidation reaction of the O2 plasma. The mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced epoxy (FRE) matrix composites revealed that the F(tr)RE-Ar (30) samples showed a high tensile strength, whereas the mechanical properties of the F(tr)RE-Ar + O2 sample decreased with increased treatment time.

Effect of Plasma Treatment on Bamboo Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites

“…Argon (Ar), oxygen (O 2 ), and (N 2 ) gas were employed with rates of 8, 10, and 10 L/min, respectively. The plasma-treated bamboo powder underwent treatment with Ar, argon with oxygen (Ar+O 2 ), and argon with nitrogen (Ar+N 2 ) gas for 30 min [15]. All plant experiments were conducted in accordance with relevant institutional, national, and international guidelines and legislation.…”

“…It is used to improve the surfaces of fibers and polymers. The advantages of the DBD technique are low-pressure treatment, reproducibility, ease of control, stability, and inexpensive technology [15]. DBD plasma has received more attention due to its production of highly active species and its high electron density.…”

“…Lignin, hemicellulose, and impurity of fibers are removed by the DBD plasma technique. This approach removes compounds from cellulose fibers, increasing surface roughness and improving compatibility and adhesion between the surface and the matrix [15,16]. Plasma treatment of a natural fiber alters the structure, fiber surface, and chemical composition of the fiber.…”

Surface Modification of Flax Fibers with TMCTS-Based PECVD for Improved Thermo-Mechanical Properties of PLA/Flax Fiber Composites

“…In the last years, plasma modification has also emerged as an alternative technique for enhancing the surface properties of natural fibres while preserving their internal components. This method offers a promising solution to create barrier coatings on flax fibres by changing the surface functionalities [20,21]. Compared to the other conventional methods, plasma-based surface treatments exhibit several advantages such as low process temperatures, cost-effectiveness, and environmental safety.…”