Title: Modification of the fibre surface for the optimisation of mechanical properties in natural-fibre reinforced polymers

Authors: A. Valadez-Gonzalez, M.V. Moreno-Chulim, P.J. Herrera-Franco

Addresses: Centro de Investigacion Cientifica, de Yucatan A.C., Unidad de Materiales, Calle 43 $ 130, Col. Chuburna de Hidalgo, C.P. 97200 Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. ' Centro de Investigacion Cientifica, de Yucatan A.C., Unidad de Materiales, Calle 43 $ 130, Col. Chuburna de Hidalgo, C.P. 97200 Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. ' Centro de Investigacion Cientifica, de Yucatan A.C., Unidad de Materiales, Calle 43 $ 130, Col. Chuburna de Hidalgo, C.P. 97200 Merida, Yucatan, Mexico

Abstract: The surface properties of henequen fibres were studied as a function of the concentration of a organosilane coupling-agent in order to optimise its mechanical properties. The role of the coupling agent on the fibre free-surface energy was assessed using IGC. It was found that the organosilane decreases the dispersive and specific free surface energies and modifies the ratio between acidic and basic sites. It was also seen that mechanical properties such as the tensile and shear show a maximum value closely related to the silane adsorption isotherm. However, these mechanical properties drop at higher silane concentrations.

Keywords: natural fibres; henequen fibres; surface modification; organosilane; inverse gas chromatography; acid-base properties; mechanical properties; fibre reinforced polymers; fibre surfaces.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMPT.2009.027846

International Journal of Materials and Product Technology, 2009 Vol.36 No.1/2/3/4, pp.417 - 430

Published online: 12 Aug 2009 *

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