Effects of Alkali Treatment and Fiber Content on the Properties of Bagasse Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites

Abstract:

In this research work, natural fiber reinforced composites of bagasse fiber-epoxy resin were prepared. The chemical treatments using sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at 1,3,5,7 wt% were carried out to modify the fiber properties. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to study the thermal stability of treated and untreated fibers. The effects of fiber treatment and fiber contents on mechanical properties of bagasse-epoxy composite were investigated. The characteristics of bagasse-epoxy resin composites exposed to high temperature as well as water absorption behavior were determined. The results from the TGA revealed that alkalization improved thermal stability of bagasse fiber. Treated bagasse fibers also had lower moisture content as compared to untreated fiber. The experimental results showed that the flexural properties of composites prepared from treated bagasse fibers were enhanced as compared to the untreated fiber composite. Thermal degradation study demonstrated that treated bagasse fiber composites experienced lower weight loss than untreated fiber composites. From water absorption study, it was observed that the treated bagasse fiber composites had lower water absorption values than those of untreated fiber based composites.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 757)
• Pages: 40-45
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.757.40
• Online since: October 2017
• Authors: Sawitree Suckley*, Piyanuch Deenuch, Natchaya Disjareon, Suttinun Phongtamrug
• Keywords: Alkali Treatment, Bagasse Fiber, Epoxy Composites

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