Tensile, surface and thermal characterization of jute fibres after novel treatments

Jute fibres have been treated with enzymes, CO2 pulsed infra red laser, ozone and plasma to study the effect of these treatments on their tensile, surface and thermal properties. Surface characteristics of jute fibres have been examined by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy while thermal characteristics using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). No significant reduction in the tensile strength of treated jute fibres is observed. Changes in the surface chemical composition and increase in surface roughness are observed after the treatments. DSC data show a decrease in decomposition temperature of hemicellulose of all treated jute fibres. DSC and TGA analyses show no marginal difference in the cellulose decomposition temperature of untreated and treated jute fibres. The study shows a change in the surface chemistry and morphology after treatments without any substantial change in the thermal stability and tensile properties of jute fibres. The study also reveals the potential use of infrared laser and ozone treatments for the modification of natural fibres besides the conventional treatments using enzymes and plasma

A comprehensive review of techniques for natural fibers as reinforcement in composites::preparation, processing and characterization

Designing environmentally friendly materials from natural resources represents a great challenge in the last decade. However, the lack of fundamental knowledge in the processing of the raw materials to fabricate the composites structure is still a major challenge for potential applications.Natural fibers extracted from plants are receiving more attention from researchers, scientists and academics due to their use in polymer composites and also their environmentally friendly nature and sustainability. The natural fiber features depend on the preparation and processing of the fibers. Natural plant fibers are extracted either by mechanical retting, dew retting and/or water retting processes. The natural fibers characteristics could be improved by suitable chemicals and surface treatments. This survey proposes a detailed review of the different types of retting processes, chemical and surface treatments and characterization techniques for natural fibers. We summarize major findings from the literature and the treatment effects on the properties of the natural fibers are being highlighted