Properties of Xanthoceras sorbifolia Husk Fibers With Chemical Treatment for Applications in Polymer Composites

Surface science of natural fibers plays an important role in polymer/natural fiber composites. The Xanthoceras sorbifolia husk fibers were selected and chemically treated by sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution, coupling agents, their combination, and the mixtures of acetic acid with hydrogen peroxide, respectively. 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550), γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxylsilane (KH570) and organic titanate (JN-9A) were used as coupling agents in this work. Cellulose content was found to be increased after alkalization due to the removal of the non-cellulose substances, which was evidenced by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR–FTIR) spectroscopy spectrum analysis and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements. The highest cellulose content was obtained in the bleached fibers. TGA analysis revealed an improvement in thermal stability of the treated fibers, especially for alkali-KH570 treated fibers. The tensile strength of the alkali-KH570 treated fiber and the alkali-bleached fiber were higher than that of other fibers due to high cellulose content and high crystallinity.