Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The effect of eco-friendly chemical treatment on sisal fiber and its epoxy composites: thermal, mechanical, tribological and morphological properties

  • Original Research
  • Published:
Cellulose Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The purpose of the present work is to assess the effectiveness of a low-cost and environmentally friendly chemical modification of sisal fibers based on the usage of sodium citrate (SC) and stearic acid (SA) on the thermal, mechanical, tribological and morphological characteristics of sisal fiber reinforced epoxy composites (SREC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the morphological properties of the sisal fibers, which demonstrated that the chemical treatment eliminated the contaminants from the fibers’ surface. The reduction of hemicellulose and lignin contents of the fiber was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis following both chemical treatments. Thermal stability of the treated fibers showed a slight reduction as revealed by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Mechanical properties like tensile, flexural and inter-laminar shear strength showed appreciable improvement for the SA treated SREC (8.05%, 8.50% and 29.42%) and SC treated SREC (23.27%, 13.13% and 51.02%) when compared to untreated SREC. Furthermore, the tribological behaviour of the composites reinforced with treated fibers showed improved wear resistance and frictional properties in comparison to untreated composites. To better understand the fiber/matrix adhesion, morphological examinations of fracture and worn surfaces of composite samples were done using SEM. The test results suggest that the sodium citrate treatment is superior to the stearic acid treatment in improving the composites’ mechanical and tribological properties.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12

Similar content being viewed by others

Data availability

No data or material is provided with this manuscript.

Code availability

Not applicable.

References

  • Ahmed KS, Khalid SS, Mallinatha V et al (2012) Dry sliding wear behavior of SiC/Al2O3 filled jute/epoxy composites. Mater Des 1980–2015(36):306–315

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ahmed MM, Dhakal HN, Zhang HY, Barouni A, Zahari R (2021) Enhancement of impact toughness and damage behaviour of natural fibre reinforced composites and their hybrids through novel improvement techniques: a critical review. Compos Struct. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compstruct.2020.113496

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Asumani O, Paskaramoorthy R (2020) Fatigue and impact strengths of kenaf fibre reinforced polypropylene composites: effects of fibre treatments. Adv Compos Maters. https://doi.org/10.1080/09243046.2020.1733308

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Azwa ZN, Yousif B (2013) Characteristics of kenaf fibre/epoxy composites subjected to thermal degradation. Polym Degrad Stab 98(12):2752–2759

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Badagliacco D, Fiore V, Sanfilippo C, Valenza A (2022) Effectiveness of sodium acetate treatment on the mechanical properties and morphology of natural fiber-reinforced composites. J Compos Sci 6(1):5. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcs6010005

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Behera S, Gaurtam RK, Mohan S et al (2021a) Hemp fiber surface modification: its effect on mechanical and tribological properties of hemp fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Polym Compos 42:5223–5236. https://doi.org/10.1002/pc.26217

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Behera S, Gautam RK, Mohan S et al (2021b) Dry sliding wear behavior of chemically treated sisal fiber reinforced epoxy composites. J Nat Fibers. https://doi.org/10.1080/15440478.2021.1904483

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Behera S, Gautam RK, Mohan S (2022a) Polylactic acid and polyhydroxybutyrate coating on hemp fiber: its effect on hemp fiber reinforced epoxy composites performance. J Compos Mater 56(6):929–939

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Behera S, Gautam RK, Mohan S (2022) Study of mechanical properties of chemically treated kenaf fiber and its composites. In: Prasad R, Sahu R, Sahoo KL, Jadhav GN (eds) Advancement in materials processing technology, vol 12. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-3297-6_11

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Benhamou AA, Boussetta A, Nadifiyine M et al (2022) Effect of alkali treatment and coupling agent on thermal and mechanical properties of Opuntia ficus-indica cladodes fibers reinforced HDPE composites. Polym Bull 79:2089–2111

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bisanda ETN (2000) The effect of alkali treatment on the adhesion characteristics of sisal fibres. Appl Compos Mater 7(5–6):331–339

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chaitanya S, Singh I (2018) Sisal fiber-reinforced green composites: effect of ecofriendly fiber treatment. Polym Compos 39(12):4310–4321

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dilfi KFA, Balan A, Bin H, Xian G, Thomas S (2018) Effect of surface modification of jute fiber on the mechanical properties and durability of jute fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. Polym Compos 39:2519–2528

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fadele O, Oguocha INA, Odeshi AG et al (2019) Effect of chemical treatments on properties of raffia palm (Raphia farinifera) fibers. Cellulose 26:9463–9482

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fiore V, Scalici T, Nicoletti F, Vitale G, Prestipino M, Valenza A (2016) A new eco-friendly chemical treatment of natural fibres: effect of sodium bicarbonate on properties of sisal fibre and its epoxy composites. Compos Part B Eng 85:150–160

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fiore V, Badagliacco D, Sanfilippo C, Miranda R, Valenza A (2021) An innovative treatment based on sodium citrate for improving the mechanical performances of flax fiber reinforced composites. Polymers 13(4):559. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym13040559

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Gang D (2018) The influence of surface treatment on the tensile and tribological properties of wood fiber-reinforced polyimide composite. Surf Interface Anal 50:304–310. https://doi.org/10.1002/sia6369

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta MK (2018) Investigations on jute fibre-reinforced polyester composites: effect of alkali treatment and poly(lactic acid) coating. J Ind Text. https://doi.org/10.1177/1528083718804203

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gupta MK, Deep V (2017) Effect of stacking sequence on flexural and dynamic mechanical properties of hybrid sisal/glass polyester composite. Am J Polym Sci Eng 5:53–62

    Google Scholar 

  • He J, Cui S, Wang SY (2008) Preparation and crystalline analysis of high-grade bamboo dissolving pulp for cellulose acetate. J Appl Poly Scie 107(2):1029–1038

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Huang JK, Young WB (2019) The mechanical, hygral, and interfacial strength of continuous bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Compos Part B Eng. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2018.12.013

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jabbara A, Militkýa J, Wienera J, Kalea BM, Alib U, Rwawiirea S (2017) Nanocellulose coated woven jute/green epoxy composites: characterization of mechanical and dynamic mechanical behavior. Compos Struct 161:340–349

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kandel KP, Adhikari M, Kharel M et al (2022) Comparative study on material properties of wood-ash alkali and commercial alkali treated Sterculia fiber. Cellulose 29:5913–5922. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-022-04610-w

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karim MRA, Tahir D, Hussain A, Haq EU, Khan KI (2020) Sodium carbonate treatment of fibres to improve mechanical and water absorption characteristics of short bamboo natural fibres reinforced polyester composite. Plast Rubber Compos. https://doi.org/10.1080/14658011.2020.1768336

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Komal UK, Verma V, Ashwani T, Varma N, Singh I (2020) Effect of chemical treatment on thermal, mechanical and degradation behavior of banana fiber reinforced polymer composites. J Nat Fibers 17(7):1026–1038

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lee YL, Cesario T, Owens J, Shanbrom E, Thrupp LD (2002) Antibacterial activity of citrate and acetate. Nutrition 18:665–666

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu W, Mohanty AK, Drzal LT, Askel P, Misra M (2004) Effects of alkali treatment on the structure, morphology and thermal properties of native grass fibers as reinforcements for polymer matrix composites. J Mater Sci 39:1051–1054

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Liu Y, Xie J, Wu N, Wang L, Ma Y, Tong J (2019) Influence of silane treatment on the mechanical, tribological and morphological properties of corn stalk fiber reinforced polymer composites. Tribol Int 131:398–405

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mobarak TA, Mina MF, Gafur MA, Ahmed AN, Dhar SA (2018) Effect of chemical modifications on surface morphological, structural, mechanical, and thermal properties of sponge-gourd natural fiber. Fibers Polym 19(1):31–40

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Mukhopadhyay S, Fangueiro R (2009) Physical modification of natural fibers and thermoplastic films for composites—a review. J Thermo Compo Mater 22(2):135–162

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mylsamy B, Chinnasamy V, Palaniappan SK et al (2020) Effect of surface treatment on the tribological properties of Coccinia Indica cellulosic fiber reinforced polymer composites. J Mater Res Technol 9(6):16423–16434

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Neto JSS, Lima RAA, Cavalcanti DKK, Souza JPB, Aguiar RAA, Banea MD (2019) Effect of chemical treatment on the thermal properties of hybrid natural fiber-reinforced composites. J Appl Polym Sci 136(10):47154

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nirmal U, Hashim J, Low K (2012) Adhesive wear and frictional performance of bamboo fibres reinforced epoxy composite. Tribology Int 47:122–133

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Njoku CE, Omotoyinbo JA, Alaneme KK, Daramola MO (2020) Physical and abrasive wear behaviour of Urena lobata fiber-reinforced polymer composites. J Reinf Plast Compos. https://doi.org/10.1177/0731684420960210

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Panda R, Tjong J, Nayak SK et al (2017) Effect of alkyl phenol from cashew nutshell liquid and sisal fiber reinforcement on dry sliding wear behavior of epoxy resin. J Nat Fibers 14(5):747–758

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rahman MR, Hamdan S, Ngaini ZB, Jayamani E, Kakar A, Bakri MKB, Yusof FABM (2018) Cellulose fber-reinforced thermosetting composites: impact of cyanoethyl modifcation on mechanical, thermal and morphological properties. Polym Bull. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00289-018-2598-1

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rajeshkumar G, Sanjay MR, Siengchin S, Hariharan V (2022) Influence of sodium bicarbonate treatment on the free vibration characteristics of Phoenix sp. fiber loaded polyester composites. Mater Today Proc 52(5):2400–2403

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rashid B, Leman Z, Jawaid M et al (2017) Dry sliding wear behavior of untreated and treated sugar palm fiber filled phenolic composites using factorial technique. Wear 380–381:26–35

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ray D, Sarkar BK, Basak RK, Rana AK (2002) Study of the thermal behavior of alkali-treated jute fibers. J Appl Polym Sci 85(12):2594–2599

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Roy K, Debnath SC, Tzounis L, Pongwisuthiruchte A, Potiyaraj P (2020) Effect of various surface treatments on the performance of jute fibers filled natural rubber (NR) composites. Polymers. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym12020369

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  • Sallam KI (2007) Antimicrobial and antioxidant effects of sodium acetate, sodium lactate, and sodium citrate in refrigerated sliced salmon. Food Control 18:566–575

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sanjay MR, Madhu P, Jawaid M, Senthamaraikannan P, Senthil S, Pradeep S (2018) Characterization and properties of natural fiber polymer composites: a comprehensive review. J Clean Prod 172:566–581

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sapiai N, Jumahat A, Mahmud J (2018) Mechanical properties of functionalised CNT filled kenaf reinforced epoxy composites. Mater Res Express. https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/aabb63

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Saravanakumar SS, Kumaravel A, Nagarajan T, Sudhakar P, Baskaran R (2013) Characterization of a novel natural cellulosic fiber from Prosopis juliflora bark. Carbohydr Polym 92:1928–1933

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Seki Y, Selli F, Erdoğan ÜH et al (2022) A review on alternative raw materials for sustainable production: novel plant fibers. Cellulose 29:4877–4918

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sever K, Sarikanat M, Seki Y, Erkan G, Erdoğan ÜH (2010) The mechanical properties of γ-Methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy silane-treated Jute/Polyester composites. J Compos Mater 44(15):1913–1924

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shweta GC, Tripathi VP et al (2021) Synthesis, physical and mechanical properties of lead strontium titanate glass ceramics. Physica B 615:413069. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physb.2021.413069

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sinha E, Rout SK (2009) Influence of fibre-surface treatment on structural, thermal and mechanical properties of jute fibre and its composite. Bull Mater Sci 32(1):65–76

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Swain PTR, Biswas S (2017) Influence of fiber surface treatments on physico-mechanical behaviour of jute/epoxy composites impregnated with aluminium oxide filler. J Compos Mater 51:3909–3922

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thakur VK, Thakur MK, Gupta RK (2014) Review: raw natural fiber-based polymer composites. Int J Polym Anal Charact 19:256–271

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tonoli GHD, Filho UPR, Savastano H, Bras J, Belgacem MN, Lahr FAR (2009) Cellulose modified fibres in cement based composites. Compos Part A 40(12):2046–2053

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tserki V, Zafeiropoulos NE, Simon F, Panayiotou C (2005) A study of the effect of acetylation and propionylation surface treatments on natural fibres. Compos a: Appl Scie Manuf 36(8):1110–1118

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vijay R, Singaravelu DL, Vinod A, Sanjay MR, Siengchin S, Jawaid M, Khan A, Parameswaranpillai J (2019) Characterization of raw and alkali treated new natural cellulosic fibers from Tridax procumbens. Inter J Bio Macromol 15(125):99–108

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yan L, Chouw N, Jayaraman K (2014) Flax fibre and its composites: a review. Compos Part b: Eng 56:296–317

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yang H, Yan R, Chen H, Lee DH, Zheng C (2007) Characteristics of hemicellulose, cellulose and lignin pyrolysis. Fuel 86(12–13):1781–1788

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang K, Wang F, Liang W et al (2018) Thermal and mechanical properties of bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy composites. Polymers 10:1–18

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors genuinely acknowledge the technical assistance provided by the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi for performing this research work.

Funding

The authors did not receive any financial support from any organization for the submitted work.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221005, India

    Sudhakar Behera & Rakesh Kumar Gautam

  2. Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi, India

    Sunil Mohan

Authors
  1. Sudhakar Behera
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Rakesh Kumar Gautam
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Sunil Mohan
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Contributions

SB carried out the experiment. SB wrote the manuscript with support from RKG. RKG and SM helped supervise the project. SB, RKG and SM conceived the original idea.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sudhakar Behera.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest

The authors have NO affiliations with or involvement in any organization or entity with any financial interest (such as honoraria, educational grants, membership, employment, consultancies, stock ownership, etc.) or non-financial interest (such as personal or professional relationships, etc.) in the subject matter or materials discussed in this manuscript.

Consent to participate

Not applicable.

Consent for publication

The authors hereby consent to publication of the present research work in this journal, if selected for publication.

Ethics approval

This research work did not involve any human or animal participants.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Behera, S., Gautam, R.K. & Mohan, S. The effect of eco-friendly chemical treatment on sisal fiber and its epoxy composites: thermal, mechanical, tribological and morphological properties. Cellulose 29, 9055–9072 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-022-04826-w

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10570-022-04826-w

Keywords

Search

Navigation