Investigation on morphological and tensile properties of chemically treated Borassus Flabellifer Lontar fruit fibers

ABSTRACT

Natural fiber reinforced composite materials are used to make the best outcome materials due to their ease of availability, ability to be recycled, and environmental friendliness. The items made from this substance can help both urban and rural locations. Borassus flabellifer L fruits, leaves, and stems are commercially used, although some are discarded as scrap. This byproduct of Borassus-Flabellifer L can be utilized as a fiber source and as the principal component of natural fiber polymer composites with reinforcement. Apart from conventional methods of water retting or dew retting and mechanical decortication to extract the fiber, in this study new novel methods of extraction take place. An examination is conducted on Borassus Flabellifer fruit fibers that have been treated with alkaline and peroxide solvents. The purpose of this inquiry is to assess the possibility of using these fibers as reinforcement in composites. The presence of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin can be determined by conducting a chemical analysis. The effect of various chemical treatments on morphological attributes is assessed using SEM and UTM techniques. The X-ray diffraction examination reveals that the crystallinity of the fibers is altered by various chemical treatments, as observed in both the untreated fibers and those subjected to chemical treatment (i.e.,) Alkali (NaOH), Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and NaOH + H₂O₂. The effectiveness of Borassus Flabellifer fruit fibers as a component of natural polymer composites is examined.

Keywords:
Borassus Flabellifer L fruit fibers; Surface treatment; Tensile strength; XRDA; FeSEM analysis