Morphology, Structure, and Mechanical Properties of New Natural Cellulose Fiber Reinforcement from Waru (Hibiscus Tiliaceus) Bark

Abstract

Natural cellulose fibers have a great potential for the development of new alternative reinforcement materials that are used in various polymer composite applications. In this study, waru tree trunk fiber was extracted and treated with NaOH and Silane. Meanwhile, the characteristics of chemical, morphological, mechanical, and fiber surfaces were determined through composition analysis, Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and single fiber test. The results showed that the cellulose content increased with the addition of silane treatment which was supported by the high crystalline index of 63.02% waru bark fiber. Based on this treatment, the tensile strength of the single fiber had the highest value of 243.94 Mpa. Therefore, this fiber has the potential as a new reinforcement development in polymer-based products.

Keywords

• hibiscus tiliaceus
• natural fiber reinforcement
• cellulose
• surface treatment