Novel approach for silane treatment of flax fiber to improve the interfacial adhesion in flax/bio epoxy composites

Abstract

Natural fibers have been approved as an excellent alternative for traditional reinforcements in polymer composites. However, the main disadvantage of natural fibers as reinforcements is their poor interaction with polymeric matrices due to their hydrophilic nature. In order to improve their compatibility as composite reinforcement, surface treatments are required. Silane treatment has been widely used to modify hygroscopic properties of natural fibers. In this study, a new method of silane treatment has been developed without the prehydrolysis and curing/dehydration of silanol groups. To do so, flax fibers were modified through 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxy radical (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation followed by direct application of the amino-silane. The fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion was examined by measuring interlaminar shear strength. Thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis were performed to study the thermal resistance and thermomechanical properties of the composites. The results revealed that fiber/matrix adhesion was improved in the oxidized silanized fiber composite. In addition, water absorption was significantly reduced (20%) in the oxidized silanized fiber reinforced composite compared with the as-received one.

Keywords

Lignocellulosic fiber fiber/matrix bonding surface treatments TEMPO

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