Dry etching plasma applied to fique fibers: influence on their mechanical properties and surface appearance

Plasma is a novel technique used in order to modify the surface properties of fibers used as a reinforced of polymeric composites. In this way, this paper shows the results of a research aimed to understand the effect of the dry etching plasma on natural fique fibers. Using different exposure times, the influence of plasma treatments on the tensile strength and surface appearance were investigated. Results showed that natural fibers could be effectively plasma treated without decreasing the strength and with significant modification of their surface appearance.