Papers by Author: Shubhashini Oza

Abstract: This study investigates the effect of alkali treatment on the thermal degradation and thermal stability of hemp, and hemp reinforced Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) composites. The results indicate that thermal stability of the composites decreases with increase in fiber loading due to the lower thermal stability of hemp compared to PLA matrix. The alkali treated composites have shown higher thermal stability in comparison to untreated hemp-PLA composites due to the increased fiber-matrix bonding.

Abstract: Natural fiber reinforced composites are being used as reinforcement material in composite system due to their positive environmental benefits. Added to that, natural fibers offer advantages such as low density, low cost, good toughness, high specific strength, relatively non-abrasive and wide availability. However, the low thermal stability of natural fibers is one of the major challenges to increase their use as reinforcing component. In this study, a thorough investigation has been done to compare the effect of two chemical treatment methods on the thermal stability of hemp fibers. 5wt% sodium hydroxide and 5wt% triethoxyvinylsilane was used for the treatment of hemp fibers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermo gravimetric analysis were used for characterization of untreated and treated fiber. The results indicated that 24 hours alkali treatment and 3 hours silane treatment time enhanced the thermal stability of the hemp fiber. However, alkali treatment shows better improvement compared to silane treatment.

Abstract: Hemp fiber is an excellent sustainable and renewable alternative to glass fiber as a reinforcing component in composite system, owing to its unique features of fast growth, high mechanical strength, low density, low cost, biodegradable, and low energy consumption. In this study a systematic investigation of physical and chemical treatment on hemp fiber was conducted, and their effects on thermal stability of hemp fiber were analyzed. Oxygen plasma treatment was used as physical modification approach, 5 wt% sodium hydroxide solution was used for chemical modification. Surface chemical composition and thermal stability were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermo gravimetric analysis. The results indicated that 5 wt% of NaOH with 16 hours treatment time increased hemp fiber thermal stability, while the plasma treatment had no impact on thermal stability of hemp fiber.