Effect of Alkali and Silane Treatments on Mechanical and Fibre-matrix Bond Strength of Kenaf and Pineapple Leaf Fibres

Natural fibres are very versatile materials, their properties vary with chemical composition and physical structure. The effects of alkali, silane and combined alkali and silane treatments on the mechanical (tensile), morphological, and structural properties of Pine Apple Leave Fibres (PALF) and Kenaf Fibres (KF) were investigated with the aim to improve their compatibility with polymer matrices. The effectiveness of the alkali and saline treatments in the removal of impurities from the fibre surfaces was confirmed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry (FTIR) observation. The morphological study of treated PALF and KF by SEM indicates that silane treated fibres have less impurities and lignin and hemicelluloses removed than those by other chemical treatments. Silane treated PALF and KF display better tensile strength than those of untreated, alkaline and NaOH-silane treated. Droplet test indicates that the Interfacial Stress Strength (IFSS) of alkali and silane treated PALF and KF are enhanced whereas silane treated fibres display highest IFSS. It is assumed that fibre treatments will help to develop high performance KF and PALF reinforced polymer composites for industrial applications.