Study on Physical, Mechanical, Morphological, and Crystallographic Properties of Chemically Treated Sisal Fibers

Abstract

This research is focused on the physical, mechanical, morphological, elemental, and crystallographic properties of untreated, chemically treated, and emulsion-coated sisal fibers. Physical properties, such as diameter and water absorption, were investigated, while mechanical properties, including tensile strength, elongation at break, and modulus of elasticity, were assessed. The findings indicate a significant enhancement in tensile strength (up to 96.7%) and elastic modulus values (up to 214.43%) after chemical treatment, accompanied by a decrease in elongation at break (up to 56.8%). Interestingly, emulsion coating reduced the tensile strength and elastic modulus values, with a marginal increase in elongation at break for treated fibers. The fibers subjected to benzoylation exhibited the highest tensile strength and elastic modulus, followed by alkali-treated fibers. This trend was consistent for emulsion-coated fibers as well. The study outcomes were substantiated by examining the morphological, elemental, and crystallographic aspects of untreated and treated/coated fibers, indicating their suitability for diverse engineering applications. © The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the Korean Fiber Society 2024.