Author(s) :

Okoronkwo, G. O, Madumelu, P. C.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Chemical treatments are considered in modifying the fiber surface properties. In this paper, two different chemical modifications on natural areca fibers for use in natural fiber-reinforced composites are studied. These chemical treatments include alkali and silane treatments. The chemical treatments of this fiber improved the adhesion between the fiber surfaces and the polymer matrix, modify the fiber surfaces and also increased the fiber strengths (255.63N/mm 2 for mercerization process at 2wt% 150mins and 255.1N/mm 2 for silane coupling at 10wt% 150mins, respectively). The water absorption tendencies of the areca fiber treated at these optimum treatment conditions reduced drastically.

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