Characterization of treated date palm tree fiber as composite reinforcement

Published Date
Composites Part B: Engineering
October 2009, Vol.40(7):601–606, doi:10.1016/j.compositesb.2009.04.018
Natural fiber composites

• Author 

• Ahmad Alawar ^a,,
• Ahmad M. Hamed ^a
• Khalifa Al-Kaabi ^b,1

• aMechanical Engineering Department, UAE University, Al-Ain, P.O. Box 17555, United Arab Emirates
• bDepartment of Chemistry and Polymer Science, University of Stellenbosch, Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa

Received 24 September 2008. Revised 10 January 2009. Accepted 15 January 2009. Available online 4 May 2009.

Abstract

Recently, great interest was paid to new technologies dealing with environmental aspect. Preservation of natural resources such as natural fibers forced the composite industry to search and examine “eco-friendly” components. Studies to find alternative reinforcements and resin systems that are environmentally friendly while providing the same performance as their synthetic counterparts are in continuous progress. The aim of this study is to investigate effect of different treatment process on the data palm fiber (DPF). Raw DPF underwent different surface modification methods such as alkali treatment with concentrations 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2.5% and 5%, and acid treatment with 0.3, 0.9 and 1.6 N. All treatments were performed at 100 °C for 1 h. The surface morphology, thermal gravimetry analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), mechanical properties and chemical analysis, of treated DPF were investigated. Specimen treated with 1% NaOH showed optimum mechanical properties. Hydrochloric acid treatment resulted in deterioration in mechanical properties.

Keywords

A. Natural fiber composite

E. Surface treatments

D. Surface analysis

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  Corresponding author.
  
  

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