An Overview of Alkali Treatments of Hemp Fibres and Their Effects on the Performance of Polymer Matrix Composites

Abstract

The alkali treatment is aimed to modify the surface chemistry of natural plant fibres effectively through several factors. This treatment has been carried out at ambient and high temperature. Natural plant fibres treated with alkali have been seen to have benefits such as improved separation of fibres from fibre bundles, improved removal of unwanted surface constituents, increased tensile strength and stiffness, better thermal stability, and enhanced interfacial adhesions compared to other standard treatments. Hemp fibres are an attractive reinforcement for natural plant fibres as they are environmentally friendly compared to other natural plant fibres and exhibit good mechanical properties. This chapter mainly provides an overview of alkali treatments on hemp fibres.