The present study compares the results of two different chemical treatments of plant fibers reinforcement in terms of mechanical performance and their environmental impact considering sustainability. Jute/Hemp/Flax and their hybrid bidirectional mats were treated separately with two different chemicals namely sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃). The impact of the treatments on the mechanical performance of developed polymeric composites was found to be positive when compared to non-treated fiber-reinforced composites. Alkaline treatment showed better mechanical properties as compared to sodium bicarbonate treatment while using a low concentration solution, but the situation was reversed when a higher concentration solution was used. The present study also compares the pH value of the residue chemical solution after both the treatments which is a direct indicator of the acidic level present in the solution. Interestingly, the pH value of the residue chemical solution after the sodium bicarbonate treatment of the fibers was found in the neutral range indicating that the solution is not harmful to the environment and helps in maintaining sustainability while disposing of after the treatment. On the other hand, the ph value (measure using a pH meter) of the sodium hydroxide solution was in the strong alkaline indicating harmful effects in the disposing area. The environmentally friendly treatment of natural fibers with sodium bicarbonate could have a large commercial potential for polymeric composites for various applications.

中文翻译：

---

对植物纤维进行环境可持续化学处理以提高聚合物复合材料的性能

本研究比较了植物纤维增强材料的两种不同化学处理在机械性能方面的结果，以及考虑到可持续性的环境影响。黄麻/大麻/亚麻及其混合双向垫分别用两种不同的化学品进行处理，即氢氧化钠 (NaOH) 和碳酸氢钠 (NaHCO ₃）。与未经处理的纤维增强复合材料相比，处理对开发的聚合物复合材料的机械性能的影响是积极的。与碳酸氢钠处理相比，碱性处理在使用低浓度溶液时表现出更好的机械性能，但当使用更高浓度溶液时，情况会发生逆转。本研究还比较了两种处理后残留化学溶液的 pH 值，这是溶液中酸性水平的直接指标。有趣的是，在对纤维进行碳酸氢钠处理后，残留化学溶液的 pH 值处于中性范围，表明该溶液对环境无害，并有助于在处理后处理的同时保持可持续性。另一方面，氢氧化钠溶液的pH值（使用pH计测量）处于强碱性，表明在处置区域有有害影响。用碳酸氢钠对天然纤维进行环保处理对于用于各种应用的聚合物复合材料具有巨大的商业潜力。