Compressive Characterization of Date Palm Leaf Fiber

Abstract

In this present work, the surface of date palm leaf fiber has been modified by means of different chemical treatments. The thermal, morphological, mechanical, and water absorption characteristics of DPL fibers were investigated. The effect of the surface modifications of the DPL fibers was envisioned through the SEM micrographs, which shows the existence of voids and rough surfaces because of the elimination of lignin, wax, and pectin from the fiber. FTIR spectroscopy of DPL fibers was done, to check the effects of surface modifications on the fiber composition. XRD analysis confirms the improvement in crystallinity index of the surface-modified DPL fibers. The thermogravimetric analysis confirms augmentation in the thermal stability and tensile strength of the surface-modified fibers. The water absorptivity test conforms the reduction in the water absorption of the DPL fiber after surface modification. Furthermore, the DSC curve shows the temperature range for the moisture vaporization from fibers, fiber degradation, and the formation of char.key words-Natural fiber,Composite,Date palm leaf fiber,XRD,SEM,FTIR