Influence of Plasma Treatment on Mechanical Properties of Cellulose-based Fibres and Their Interfacial Interaction in Composite Systems

The use of natural reinforcements is growing in current material engineering due to their satisfactory mechanical properties such as availability, price, and environmental aspects. Synthetic fibres are more often replaced by natural ones in many applications. The interfacial interactions of matrices are key factors that limit the use of natural fibres. The matrix interactions of natural fibres can be optimized by surface treatments, such as plasma treatment. This paper examined the possibility of using plasma to treat natural fibres. The basic mechanical characteristics of the fibres were changed by this treatment. Changes in the surface structures and the subsequent interaction with polymeric matrices with epoxy resins were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The plasma treatments of fibres did not decrease the tensile strength but did optimize their surface structures.