Effect of Non-Acidic Chemical Treatment of Kenaf Fiber on Physico Mechanical Properties of PLA Based Composites

Surface treatment of natural fibers with the help of chemicals has been proved to be an effective method for improving the properties of its associated composites. The present research investigates the effect of nonacidic and cost-effective chemical treatment using sodium acetate on the properties of kenaf mats reinforced Polylactic acid (PLA) composites. In particular, geometrically different kenaf fiber mats (unidirectional, bidirectional, and randomly oriented) were chemically treated with varying concentrations (10%, 15%, and 20% w/v) of sodium acetate, for three different time periods (24, 48, and 72 h) at room temperature. Effect of chemical treatment on the surface of kenaf fibers was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical characterization of the developed composites was done on the basis of tensile, flexural, and impact tests to investigate the effect of treatment on interfacial adhesion. The composites in which fibers were treated with a 20% concentration of sodium acetate at 48 hr of treatment time exhibited the highest tensile, flexural, and viscoelastic properties. Apart from impact strength, the effect of chemical treatment on the properties of green composites was found to be significant. Eco-friendly treatment of natural fibers using sodium acetate may offer huge potential for commercialization of green composites in furthermore applications.