Abstract

This research work makes use of a novel polyalthia longifolia leaf mid-rib fibers as a potential reinforcement for polymer composites. The fibers were subjected to sodium hydroxide treatments for different duration, and its effect on the tensile strength of the polyalthia fibers was examined. 6 h treatment was found to be optimum with a maximum tensile strength of 134 MPa. Scanning electron microscopy of the fiber surface revealed surface impurities, waxy granules and breakage of fibrils as some of the prominent features for variation in tensile strength. Fourier transform infrared spectra of all varieties of fibers supported function group modifications. Polyester-based composites were fabricated with 6 h treated fibers, and their mechanical properties were determined. Maximum values of tensile, flexural and impact strength obtained were 43MPa, 35MPa and 12 kJ/m² respectively. Fiber breakage, fiber pull-out and de-bonding were some of the fracture mechanisms observed through scanning electron micrographs of the polyalthia longifolia composites.

摘要

这项研究工作利用新型 polyalthia longifolia 叶中肋纤维作为聚合物复合材料的潜在增强材料。对纤维进行不同时间的氢氧化钠处理，并检查其对聚硫醚纤维拉伸强度的影响。发现 6 小时处理是最佳的，最大抗拉强度为 134 MPa。纤维表面的扫描电子显微镜显示表面杂质、蜡状颗粒和原纤维断裂是拉伸强度变化的一些突出特征。各种纤维的傅里叶变换红外光谱支持官能团修饰。用 6 小时处理的纤维制造聚酯基复合材料，并测定它们的机械性能。获得的拉伸、弯曲和冲击强度的最大值为 43MPa，²分别。纤维断裂、纤维拔出和脱粘是通过扫描电子显微照片观察到的长叶菊复合材料的一些断裂机制。