CHARACTERIZATION OF ALKALI TREATED LUFFA CYLINDRICA FIBRE REINFORCED rLDPE COMPOSITES

Abstract

 Bio-composites are now sought for as a result of their importance. However most bio-composites reinforced with natural fibres exhibit certain limitations when not treated, these including unfavourable moisture absorption characteristics, weak mechanical properties and poor interfacial bonding between the reinforcement and the matrix. In this research, luffa cylindrica fibres were treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) concentrations for 24 hours under room temperature and pressure conditions. The characterizations of the fibre was performed using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red Spectroscopy (FTIRS), while Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was performed on the developed composite. The percentage moisture absorption and the bulk density of the developed composite were determined for the crushed and uncrushed luffa cylindrica fibre reinforced composite. The treated composites showed a crystallinity index of 65.30%. The results from the characterizations showed that the fibres were effectively modified.