Influence of fiber chemical modification procedure on the mechanical properties and water absorption of materbi-y/sisal fiber composites

VERA ALVAREZ; ANALÍA VÁZQUEZ

Mar del Plata - Argentina

Congreso; Congreso Binacional SAM-CONAMET; 2005

Biocomposites were produced using a commercial MaterBi-Y matrix based on cellulose acetate and starch as matrix, and 15 wt.% of short sisal fibers as reinforcement. Alkaline treatment and acetylation were performed on the fibers in order to modify the morphology, chemical and mechanical properties of the fiber. Treatments were carried out at different temperatures during several times. SEM micrographies showed a relatively smooth surface of untreated fibers; however, after treatments, fibers showed uneven surfaces. These result show that treatments modifies sisal fibers promoting the development of fibre – matrix adhesion, which then will result in increased interfacial adhesion. Pull out tests were also performed. Mechanical properties, such as, flexural strength and modulus were determined in order to analyze the effect of fiber treatments on these properties.