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Using a Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA), mechanical properties like modulus and phase transition temperature of polyester composites of banana fibers (treated and untreated) are measured simultaneously. The shifting of phase transition temperature is observed in some treatments. The performance of the composite depends to a large extent on the adhesion between polymer matrix and the reinforcement. This is often achieved by surface modification of the matrix or the filler. Banana fiber was modified chemically to achieve improved interfacial interaction between the fiber and the polyester matrix. Various silanes and alkalies were used to modify the fiber surface. Chemical modification was found to have a profound effect on the fiber/matrix interaction, which is evident from the values of phase transition temperatures. Of the various chemical treatments, simple alkali treatment with 1% NaOH was found to be the most effective.

Increased environmental awareness and societal needs serve as a catalyst for developing new eco-friendly materials like green composites. In the recent past, researchers have reported the results of their studies on green composites of different plant fibres and various biodegradable matrices. This article is an overview of the various aspects of green composites. Composites based on important biodegradable matrices like rubber, poly (lactic acid), poly(butylene succinate), poly(hydroxybutanoate) and soy-based matrices have been discussed. Special emphasis has been given to natural rubber-based green composites.

This article deals with the aspects of interfacial and surface characterization of natural fibers and their composites. Vegetable fibers and their composites have attracted the attention of scientists worldwide because of their favorable properties. The different chemical modifications of natural fibers and characterization aspects have been discussed. The adhesion between fiber and matrix is a major factor in determining the response of the interface and its integrity under stress. Therefore characterization of the interface is of utmost importance. Both fiber surface and polymer matrix surface can be modified to obtain a strong interface. Various treatments being used for the lignocellulosic surfaces and the characterization techniques have been illustrated. The four main techniques of interfacial characterization that are enumerated in this article are the micromechanical techniques, spectroscopic, microscopic and swelling techniques. The micromechanical techniques like fiber pull-out and fragmentation...

Changes in the surface composition of chemically treated cellulose fibres obtained from the sheath of banana plants were investigated using electrokinetic (ζ-potential) measurements. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe changes in the surface morphology of the fibres. Spectroscopic methods were also used to analyse the changes on the cellulose fibre surface. Chemical treatments such as alkali treatment, acetylation, treatment with a triazine coupling agent, various silanes, etc. reduced the hydrophilicity of the fibres. The surface morphology of the fibres showed considerable changes. Chemical treatments reduced the acidity of the already polar cellulose fibre. The high iso-electric point (IEP) of the silane A1100-treated fibres shows that basic groups dominate at these surfaces. The observations are consistent with the values obtained using solvatochromic measurements.

Cellulosic fibers have been used as cost-cutting fillers in plastic industry. Among the various factors, the final performance of the composite materials depends to a large extent on the adhesion between the polymer matrix and the reinforcement and therefore on the quality of the interface. To achieve optimum performance of the end product, sufficient interaction between the matrix resin and the cellulosic material is desired. This is often achieved by surface modification of the resin or the filler. Banana fiber, the cellulosic fibers obtained from the pseudo-stem of banana plant (Musa sepientum) is a bast fiber with relatively good mechanical properties. The fiber surface was modified chemically to bring about improved interfacial interaction between the fiber and the polyester matrix. Various silanes and alkali were used to modify the fiber surface. Modified surfaces were characterized by SEM and FTIR. The polarity parameters of the chemically modified fibers were investigated using the solvatochromic ...

Leaf fibers are fibers that run lengthwise through the leaves of most monocotyledonous plants such as pineapple, banana, etc. Pineapple (Ananas comosus) and Banana (Musa indica) are emerging fiber having a very large potential to be used for composite materials. Over 150,000 ha of pineapple and over 100,000 ha of banana plantations are available in Brazil for the fruit production and enormous amount of agricultural waste is produced. This residual waste represents one of the single largest sources of cellulose fibers available at almost no cost. The potential consumers for this fiber are pulp and paper, chemical feedstock, textiles and composites for the automotive, furniture and civil construction industry.

Pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) which is rich in cellulose, abundantly available, relatively inexpensive, low density, nonabrasive nature, high filling level possible, low energy consumption, high specific properties, biodegradability and has the potential for polymer reinforcement. The utilization of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) as reinforcements in thermoplastic and thermosetting resins in micro and nano form for developing low cost and lightweight composites is an emerging field of research in polymer science and technology. In this paper we examines the industrial applicabiliy of PALF, mainly for production of composite materials and special papers, chemical feedstocks (bromelin enzyme) and fabrics.