Effect of chemical treatments on tensile properties and interfacial shear strength of unsaturated polyester/fan palm fibers

Abstract

Surface treatment of fan palm fibers (FPFs) was investigated as a means of improving fiber tensile strength (FTS) and interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of unsaturated polyester (UPR)/FPFs samples. The fibers were treated with sodium hydroxide, silane, and a combined sodium hydroxide and silane. FT-IR spectra and SEM observation indicated the removal of hemicellulose and lignin components after chemical treatments. The alkaline treatment of FPF resulted in the highest tensile strength of 816 MPa. The interfacial shear strength of FPF/UPR samples was increased for all treated FPF. The highest IFSS (4.1 MPa) was obtained for the alkaline-treated FPF/UPR sample.

Keywords

• chemical treatments
• fan palm fibers
• interfacial shear strength
• tensile properties
• unsaturated polyester