Effects of Chemical Modification on the Mechanical Properties of Calotropis Gigantea Fiber-reinforced Phenol Formaldehyde Biocomposites

Abstract

In this paper, the effects of three different chemical treatments on the mechanical properties of Phenol Formaldehyde (PF) composites reinforced with the Calotropis Gigantea Fibers (CGFs) were investigated based on the fiber content of the fibers. Composites were prepared by the untreated and treated fibers using the hand lay up technique and their mechanical properties were evaluated and compared. The results revealed that the composites show the greater mechanical properties at 40 wt.% for the untreated condition. Composites prepared with alkali treated fibers show the better mechanical properties as compared with the other treated fiber composites.

Developments in Chemical Treatments, Manufacturing Techniques and Potential Applications of Natural-Fibers-Based Biodegradable Composites

“…Interfacial adhesion of natural fibers with matrix remains the critical issue in overall performance [99]. Among every chemical treatment studied, alkali treatment is a simple, traditional, and effective procedure for treating many fibers, which can be done on almost all-natural fibers to improve interfacial adhesion [138,139]. Biodegradation phenomena or potential ignition for NFRPCs is moderately new.…”