On the effect of different polymer matrix and fibre treatment on single fibre pullout test using betelnut fibres

This study is aimed at exploring the possibility of improving the interfacial adhesion strength of betelnut fibres using different chemical treatments namely 4% and 6% of HCl and NaOH respectively. The fibre specimens were partially embedded into different thermosetting polymer matrix (polyester and epoxy) as reinforcement blocks. Single fibre pullout tests were carried out for both the untreated (Ut) and treated betelnut fibres with different resins and tested under dry conditions. Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the material failure morphology. The studies revealed the differences of interfacial adhesion strengths for the various test specimens of betelnut fibres treated with the polyester and epoxy matrix which followed in the order of: N6 ≫ N4 > H4 > Ut > H6. It was proven that fibres treated with 6% of NaOH exhibits excellent interfacial adhesion properties. The interfacial adhesion shear strength of these fibres using polyester and epoxy has improved by 141% and 115% correspondingly compared to untreated fibre under the same treatment.

Research highlights
► Optimization on interfacial adhesion strength using betelnut fibres.
► Using different chemical treatments and thermosetting polymer matrix.
► Uniqueness of the fibre having ‘trichomes’ on its fibre surface.
► ‘Trichomes’ to boost interfacial adhesion strength of fibre/matrix.