The Effects of the Alkaline Treatment's Soaking Exposure on the Tensile Strength of Napier Fibre

The effects of soaking time during the alkaline treatment on the tensile strength of Napier grass fibre and its morphology are discussed. The fibres were treated with 10% of Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) concentration solution at different soaking times exposure; 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 hr. The single fibre tests were then performed in accordance with ASTM D3822-07 standard. The surfaces of the fibres prior and after the treatment were observed with a metallurgical Microscope MT8100. The results show that the fibre subjected to 6 hr NaOH treatment yields the maximum tensile strength, albeit lower elastic modulus. Morphology study on the other hand found that the fibre became rougher after treatment with 18 and 24 hr of soaking resulted in severe surface damage of the fibre.