Enhancement of fiber-matrix interface of recycled cotton fibers reinforced epoxy composite for improved mechanical properties

Baccouch W., Ghith A., Yalçın Eniş İ., Sezgin H., Miled W., Legrand X., ...More

MATERIALS RESEARCH EXPRESS, vol.7, no.1, 2020 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 7 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2020
  • Doi Number: 10.1088/2053-1591/ab6c04
  • Journal Name: MATERIALS RESEARCH EXPRESS
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Metadex, Directory of Open Access Journals, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Keywords: cotton fiber, textile waste, composite material, epoxy resin, chemical treatment, mechanical properties, NATURAL FIBER, CHEMICAL-MODIFICATION, SURFACE MODIFICATION, ALKALI TREATMENT, SISAL, JUTE
  • Istanbul Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to enhance the fiber-matrix interface of cotton waste reinforced composite panels by a specific chemical treatment. For this purpose, cotton fibers are treated in sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution with three different concentrations (0.5 M, 1 M, and 1.5 M) and three different soaking times combinations (1 h, 3 h, and 5 h). Mechanical evaluation of treated and untreated reinforcements and composite panels are characterized using tensile test whereas the chemistries of fiber reinforcements are investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and the fiber-matrix interactions are morphologically examined using scanning electron microscopy. Results indicate a remarkable enhancement in mechanical properties of composites via improving the interfacial adhesion and compatibility between fiber and matrix with a significant increase of Young modulus up to 270% for reinforcements and to 70% for composite materials compared to untreated materials.