Investigation on the surface free energy of a single flax fiber through adhesion measurement by atomic force microscopy

Abstract

Surface free energy of a fiber is an important parameter for predicting the interfacial bond strength of fiber-matrix adhesion of composite materials. For mechanical characterization of bio-composite materials, the measurement of the surface energy of individual single microfibers is complicated due to their surface roughness, formation of chemical bonds, wicking characteristics, etc. This paper demonstrates a novel method for determining the dispersive component of surface free energy (γd) of single flax fiber by directly measuring the adhesion force between the probe tip of an atomic force microscope and the fiber surface. Johnson–Kendal–Roberts theory was employed to correlate the adhesion force with the surface energy and tip radius. Finally, the value of γd was determined, and its significance with respect to other methods was analyzed.

Effect of heat treatment on the mechanical properties of jute yarns

“…The form of the fibers is a composite where the cellulosic micro-fibrils plays the role of a reinforcement linked by a matrix composed of many constituents such as hemicellulose, lignin and others. [56][57][58][59] The hydrophilic character of the natural fibers explained by the presence of the hydroxyls groups inside of the fiber. 60,61 This gives water a cohesive role between the fiber constituents taking advantage of the voids between the cellulosic micro-fibrils.…”