Surface Modification of Sisal Fibres by Ultrasonic Field

Abstract

This article demonstrates the surface modification of sisal fibres by using NaOH in an ultrasonic medium. The fibres were soaked in 1.0 M NaOH, 60°C for 30, 60, and 90 min, respectively. The fibre surface was examined with a digital microscope camera and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). An elasticity test was used to examine the mechanical properties of composites, specifically between sisal and LLDPE. The results demonstrated the modification of the sisal fibres in NaOH solution by ultrasound producing a cleaner and smoother fibre surface. This was affected by a cavitation phenomenon, which produced high-speed impact jets that cleaned off the dirty particles from the fibre surface. The modified mixed materials had higher ultimate tensile strength. By using this method, the result of sisal fibre modification decreased in the diameter strand of the experimented fibres.