Effect of surface treatment on the properties of pineapple leaf fibers reinforced polyamide 6 composites

In order to improve compatibility and composite properties of pineapple leaf fibers/polyamide 6 composite, alkaline and silane treatments were conducted for fiber modification. Effect of fiber surface treatment on the properties of the composites was investigated. Untreated and treated fibers were raw (R-PALF), alkaline treated (Na-PALF) and silane treated pineapple leaf fibers (Si-PALF). Fiber loading was varied in polyamide 6 based composite. Morphology and fiber-matrix interfacial adhesion, thermal and mechanical properties were examined. Surface treatments can improve interfacial adhesion between these two phases. All PALFs have enhanced thermal stability of all composites. However, thermal characteristics of the composites, i.e. T-c, T-m and crystallinity, have not been affected by PALF types. Na-PALF and Si-PALF help improving mechanical properties of the composites. Young's modulus and tensile strength have been increased whereas elongation decreased by both treated PALFs which indicates that the composites become stiffer and stronger but less flexible. From the results, it could be stated that alkali treatment is sufficient to improve compatibility and properties of the PALF/polyamide 6 composites at fiber loading of 30 % wt. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd.