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The Effect of Surface Treatment on the Strength and Adhesion Characteristics of Phoenix dactylifera-L(Date Palm) Fibers

ABSTRACT There is a growing interest in the use of natural/bio-fibers as reinforcing components for thermoplastics and thermosets. However, they do suffer from a few limitations, such as lower compatibility with relatively hydrophobic polymer matrixes. Thus, improvement of the interface and interphase interactions in natural fiber–polyester composites is essential. In this research date palm (Phoenix dactylifera-L) fibers were modified by surface treatment using chemical method in order to improve their adhesion to polyester matrixes. Alkaline treatment, as an example of dissolution and treatment with silane coupling agents were performed. Furthermore, a combination treatment of alkaline and silane coupling agents was also carried out. Fiber modifications were monitored by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). In addition to that, the improvement of adhesion and strength between date palm–modified fibers and polyester matrix was investigated by single filament pull-out test as well as tensile tests. It was found, from interfacial shear strength values, that substantial improvements in fiber-matrix compatibility have been achieved. According to single filament pull-out test results, interfacial shear strength increased for all treated fibers as compared to non-treated fibers. Particularly, combination of alkaline and silane coupling agents resulted in substantial adhesion improvement to the polyester matrix in comparison to the untreated fibers and fibers treated by alkaline and silane methods only.