Cellulose powder treatment on Cissus quadrangularis stem fiber-reinforcement in unsaturated polyester matrix composites. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Indran, S; Raj, R Edwin; Daniel, BSS; Saravanakumar, SS
• Is Part Of: Journal of reinforced plastics and composites. Volume 35:Number 3(2016)
• Page Start: 212
• Page End: 227
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Polymer composite -- Cissus quadrangularis stem fiber -- cellulose powder -- mechanical properties -- water absorption -- microstructure; Reinforced plastics -- Periodicals; Composite materials -- Periodicals; 620.1923
• DOI: 10.1177/0731684415611756
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0731-6844

Abstract

Natural fibers from bio-renewable sources have the potential to be used as an alternate reinforcement for the perilous synthetic fibers. The hazards of prolong exposure to such fibers are quite serious, which demands scientific intervention. Natural fibers, like the one investigated – Cissus quadrangularis stem fiber (CQSF), have proven thermomechanical properties for polymer composite reinforcement. Enhancing fiber–matrix bonding through chemical treatments such as mercerization and deposition of cotton linters-based microcrystalline cellulose powder on fiber surface are comprehensively investigated. The mechanical properties of treated fiber composites reveal good bonding features through scanning electron microscopy analysis, which are further substantiated by the evaluation of mechanical property. In particular, 5 wt.% cellulose powder-treated CQSF/polyester composites showed distinguishable enrichment in mechanical and water absorption characteristics.