The Tensile and Flexural Properties of Treated and Untreated Sisal Fibre-Epoxy Resin Composites

Abstract

The influence of chemical treatment of sisal fibres through the subsequent processes of mercerisation (alkali treatment), then silane treatment and eventually acid hydrolysis on the fibres were investigated. The effect of the treated fibres on the tensile and flexural properties of their composites with epoxy resin were also studied. Scanning electron microscopy examination of the treated and untreated fibres showed that the subsequent processes of chemical treatment enhanced the removal of surface impurities and therefore increased the roughness of the fibre surfaces. It was concluded that this would avail an increased surface area on the fibre for interlocking with matrices and would therefore enhance adhesion of the two. Consistent to this conclusion, subsequent testing of treated fibre reinforced composites gave rise to higher values of tensile and flexural strength and toughness than the untreated fibre reinforced composites.