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We have investigated the effects of chemical treatment on Single Wall Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT) before and after being modified with HNO 3 /H 2 SO 4 by Raman, FTIR and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. The results show successful carboxylation of the CNT sidewalls as observed from FTIR and UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy. This successful functionalization is achieved in 6-8 hrs of refluxing. We also report changes in the first and second order Raman spectra of SWNTs functionalized with oxygenated groups. During the experiment, we observe some important Raman features: Radial breathing mode (RBM), Tangential mode (G-band), and Disordered mode (D-band); which are affected due to the chemical oxidation of carbon nanotubes. We found that the ratio of D-to the G-band intensity (I d /I g ), increase after functionalization and the RBM mode in acid treated SWCNTs is almost disappeared.

Palm fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites were manufactured using a single extruder and an injection molding machine. Raw palm fiber was chemically treated with benzene diazonium salt to increase its compatibility with the polymer matrix. Both raw and treated palm was utilized and six levels of filler loading (10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 wt%) were used during composite manufacturing. Microstructural analysis (scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) and mechanical testing (tensile, flexural, impact, hardness) were conducted. Treated palm fiber reinforced composites showed better mechanical properties compared to the raw ones. Among all composites, 30% fiber-reinforced ones had the optimum set of mechanical properties.

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