Potentiality of luffa fiber used as reinforcement in polymer composites

Abstract

Recently, natural fiber based composites have received widespread attention due to their application in car bodies, sporting goods, building panels, industrial, and other commercial markets. In the present study, various chemical treatments of native luffa fiber (Luffa cylindrica) surfaces using alkalization (2 h agitation with 5 % KOH) and furfurylation (graft furfuryl alcohol followed by oxidation with K2Cr2O7 (1N) is discussed and compared. The purpose of chemical treatments is to improve the fiber-matrix compatibility, interfacial strength, physical, mechanical and thermal properties, etc. The grafting of furfuryl alcohol followed by oxidation-generated quinines showed better results than alkaline treatments with respect to enhancement of surface area, compatibility and hydrophobicity together with removal of waxes, lignin and hemicelluloses. The treated surface was characterized by ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and dynamic contact angle measurements. DSC, TGA, SEM, water absorption and mechanical tests were performed to determine the thermal, morphological and mechanical properties of untreated and chemically treated luffa fiber.