Influence of Alkali and Silane Treatment on the Physico-Mechanical Properties of Grewia serrulata Fibres

Abstract

Grewia serrulata fibres were chemically treated with 3%, 6%, and 9% NaOH for the duration of 4 h. Additionally, the NaOH-treated fibres were also treated with 3 – (trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (silane). Properties such as density and tensile strength of the treated fibres were compared against the untreated fibres. The highest density was obtained in the case of 9% NaOH + silane treated fibres, which was 26.47% higher than untreated fibres, implying effective removal of hemicellulose. Likewise, the highest tensile strength was also obtained in the case of 9% NaOH + silane treated fibres. The increment observed in the tensile strength of the natural fibres was related to the removal of impurities, hemicellulose, and stress-raisers as well as deposition over the fibre surface that smoothed it. These observations were further validated by estimating changes in chemical constituents due to chemical treatment along with characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis.