Thermomechanical Analyses of Alkali-Treated Coconut Husk-Bagasse Fiber-Calcium Carbonate Hybrid Composites

Deepak Verma (), Manunya Okhawilai, Kheng Lim Goh and Mohit Sharma ()
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Deepak Verma: Inter-Department of Nanoscience and Technology, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Manunya Okhawilai: Metallurgy and Materials Science Research Institute, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Kheng Lim Goh: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Newcastle University in Singapore, Singapore 567739, Singapore
Mohit Sharma: Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology, and Research), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore 138634, Singapore

Sustainability, 2023, vol. 15, issue 2, 1-15

Abstract: Natural fiber-reinforced composites can contribute to reducing carbon footprint goals due to their ability to reduce overall product weight, bio-diverse feedstocks, and recyclability potential. In this work, natural fiber-based composites containing the reinforcement of coconut husk and bagasse fiber with calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) ingredients were prepared and analyzed. The composites were analyzed for mechanical, thermomechanical, and morphological properties. The reinforcements were chemically functionalized using 5% w / v NaOH to enhance their interactions with the epoxy resins. The chemical functionalization created perforation on the fiber surface, improving the interlocking of fibres with the resin material and strengthening the mechanical performance of the composite. The composites developed using modified reinforcement treatment resulted in increased tensile strength (64.8%) and flexural strength (70%). The reinforcement treatment influenced the hydrophilicity, and the water absorption of treated composites was reduced more than five times compared to the unmodified composites. Scanning electron microscopy revealed morphological changes due to fiber modification, the underlaying mechanism of fiber contraction, and enhanced fiber matrix interface interlocking and adhesion strengthening. Thermal analysis confirmed that alkali treatment improves the crystallinity of the fiber and thereto the degradation temperature of treated fiber composites (both bagasse and coconut husk), which is 375.27 °C, the highest amongst the developed hybrid composites.

Keywords: natural fibers; coconut husk; bagasse fiber; alkali treatment; thermogravimetric analysis; natural fiber reinforced composites (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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