Effect of ecofriendly coating and treatment on mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of sisal fibre

Abstract

The objective of the present work is to overcome the limitations of sisal fibre and to improve its performance by ecofriendly treatment (sodium bicarbonate) and ecofriendly coating [poly lactic acid (PLA)]. Mechanical, thermal, and morphological analyses of untreated, treated and treated + coated sisal fibres have been carried out and compared. Sisal fibres are treated with varying concentrations of sodium bicarbonate (5, 10, 15 and 20 % w/v) at varying soaking time periods (24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h). PLA coating on sisal fibres is performed at a varying PLA concentrations (2, 4, 6 and 8% w/v). Scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction have been used for the examination of morphological and crystalline analysis respectively of untreated, treated and treated + coated sisal fibres. It is observed that the combined effect of treatment and coating leads to improvement in crystallinity, water absorption resistance, and mechanical and thermal properties of sisal fibres.