Fabrication and Characterization of NaOH-Treated Nito (Lygodium circinnatum) Fiber-Reinforced Composite

Article Preview

Abstract:

This study explores the potential of Lygodium circinatum (commonly known as Nito vine), an underutilized natural fiber in polymer composites, as reinforcement in epoxy-based polymer composites. With the growing shift toward sustainable alternatives to synthetic fibers, Nito fiber presents an eco-friendly and cost-effective option. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment was applied to modify the fiber surface, and its effects on the fiber–matrix interaction, thermal stability, and mechanical performance were evaluated. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful reduction of non-cellulosic components such as hemicellulose in the treated fibers. SEM micrographs revealed enhanced interfacial bonding between the NaOH-treated fibers and the epoxy matrix, with reduced signs of debonding. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated improved thermal stability in composites containing treated fibers, as reflected by a higher degradation temperature. Mechanical properties such as tensile and flexural strength and modulus, as well as impact resistance, however, did not exhibit significant improvements, which might also be affected by the variability in the natural fibers and the hand lay-up method. These findings emphasize both the promise of Nito fiber as a viable natural reinforcement and the importance of consistent processing methods in composite fabrication. Overall, this work supports the favorable transition toward natural fibers in composite applications, particularly where thermal performance is prioritized.

You might also be interested in these eBooks

Info:

Periodical:

Materials Science Forum (Volume 1168)

Pages:

45-50

Citation:

Online since:

November 2025

Export:

Price:

Permissions CCC:

Permissions PLS:

Сopyright:

© 2025 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

Share:

Citation:

* - Corresponding Author

[1] T. Muller in: Industrial Fiber Plants of the Philippines: A Description of the Chief Industrial Fiber Plants of the Philippines, their Distribution, Method of Preparation, and Uses. Manila, Bureau of Printing, pp.16-17 (1913)

DOI: 10.5962/bhl.title.13519

Google Scholar

[2] A.M.B. Piamonte, C.S. Emolaga, J.C. Millare: Mater. Sci. Forum Vol. 1134 (2024), pp.55-60

Google Scholar

[3] J.D. Lopena and J.C. Millare: Mater. Sci. Forum Vol. 1053 (2022), pp.16-21

Google Scholar

[4] R. Junio et al: J. Materials Research and Technology. Vol. 18 (2022), pp.4714-4723

Google Scholar

[5] R. Kumar et al: J. Nat. Fibers. (2017)

DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2017.1369208

Google Scholar

[6] J. Aseer et al: Journal of Nat. Fibers. Vol. 10 (2013):4, pp.365-380

Google Scholar

[7] J. Dos Santos et al: Construction and Building Materials. Vol. 211(2019), p.427–436

Google Scholar

[8] P. Mallick in: Fiber-Reinforced Composites: Materials, Manufacturing, and Design. 3rd ed. CRC Press, New York, USA (2007)

Google Scholar

[9] M. Ramesh, C. Deepa, M. T. Selvan, K.H. Reddy: (2020). J. Nat. Fibers. Vol. 19(2020), p.931–942

DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2020.1764443

Google Scholar

[10] K. Reddy, C. Maheswari, and M. ShuklaJ: Biobased Mater. Bioenergy. Vol. 6 (2012), p.1–4

Google Scholar

[11] J.D. Lopena and J.C. Millare: Mater. Res. Express Vol. 8 (2021), 045307

Google Scholar

[12] V.N. C. Perlado, C.J. T. Gante, J.A.M.C. Cosico, C.S. Emolaga, J.C. Millare: Mater. Sci. Forum Vol. 1134 (2024), pp.47-53

DOI: 10.4028/p-bu7h8k

Google Scholar

[13] S. Sathish, K. Kumaresan, L. Prabhu, S. Gokulkumar: Romanian Journal of Materials. Vol. 48 (2018), pp.476-482

Google Scholar

[14] R.S.B. Sosa and J.C. Millare: Mater. Sci. Forum Vol. 1094 (2023), pp.11-17

Google Scholar

[15] U. Deka, M.Bhuyan, C.Borah, S. Kakoti, and R.K. Dutta in: Recent Advances in Mechanical Engineering, edited by Pandey, K., Misra, R., Patowari, P., Dixit, U (2021)

Google Scholar

[16] A. Gholampour and T. Ozbakkaloglu: J. Mat. Sci. Vol. 55 (2020), pp.829-892

Google Scholar

[17] M. Pouriman, A. R. Caparanga, M. Ebrahimi & A. Dahresobh: Journal of Natural Fibers Vol. 15 (2017), p.296–307

DOI: 10.1080/15440478.2017.1329105

Google Scholar

[18] W. Raharjo, R. Soenoko, A. Purnowidodo, and A. Choiron: Evergreen. Vol. 6,1(2019), pp.29-38.

Google Scholar

[19] J.D. Lopena and J.C. Millare: Key Eng. Mat. Vol. 889 (2021), pp.3-8

Google Scholar

[20] J.D. Lopena and J.C. Millare: IOP Conf. Ser.: Mater. Sci. Eng. Vol. 947 (2020), 012010

Google Scholar

[21] S. Samaei et al: J. Industrial Textiles. Vol. 51 (2022), 8601S-8625S

Google Scholar