The effect of alkali treatment on improving the mechanical properties of ramie (boehmeria nivea), sugar palm (arenga pinnata), and coir (cocos nucifera) fibers

Abstract

In line with economic growth, material requirements in the industrial sector will increase. Industries are required to use materials that are safe for human health, environmentally friendly and utilize local raw materials. Currently, industries in general still use synthetic materials based on petroleum residues that contain many hazardous chemicals. Therefore, natural fiber has the potential to be used as a substitute for synthetic materials, especially in Indonesia which is rich in natural fibers resources. This will have an impact on the socio-economy of the local community so that it can grow the rural economic sector. Natural fibers have high economic value that can be used for various raw material needs for strategic industries. A good natural fiber processing mechanism will produce products that can be marketed globally with guaranteed product quality. This research analyzes the effect of alkali treatment of ramie, sugar palm and coir fiber on the increase in mechanical properties of the fiber. The mechanical properties were analyzed through tensile strength testing of single fiber according to ASTM D3822 standard using a textechno favigraph machine. In addition, this research is supported by data from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the fibers that had been given an alkali treatment had better mechanical properties compared to untreated fibers. Increased tensile strength of fibers was observec after being treated with alkali for ramie 81%, sugar palm 52% and coir 56%. The advantage of this alkaline treatment method is that no heating is involved and the treatment procedures are more practical compared to other methods.