Fiber surface treatment and its effect on mechanical and visco-elastic behaviour of banana/epoxy composite

Natural fibers offer many advantages over synthetic fibers but the notable disadvantage of natural fibers is its hydrophilic nature. Due to this nature an incompatibility between the fiber and matrix exist which decreases the properties of the composite. This defect can be overcome by chemical modification of fiber surface so as to make it less hydrophilic. In this work, alkali (NaOH) of various concentrations (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) was used to treat the fiber surface and the effect of these concentrations on the mechanical and visco-elastic behaviour of the composites were carried out. From the experimental investigation, it is found that 1% NaOH treated fiber reinforced composites behaves superiorly than other treated and untreated fiber composite. Further, SEM image analysis also shows the effect of alkali concentration over the fiber surfaces which leads to improving the mechanical properties of the composite.

► Various percentages of alkali treatment was carried out. ► Interface adhesion was improved for alkali treated fibers than raw fibers. ► High concentration of alkali damages the fiber and decreases the mechanical properties. ► Visco-elastic behaviour shows superior behaviour for alkali treated composites.