Abstract:

This research examines the impact of alkaline treatment on tensile properties and surface morphology.  Numerous studies have been conducted on chemically treating fibers to improve the bonding strength between the fibers and the matrix by altering the surface properties of the fibers.  No research was conducted to examine the alterations in surface morphology and tensile properties of the fiber independently.  Fibers of Diospyros ebenum were subjected to treatment with 2% concentrated sodium chloride (NaCl) for varying durations and subsequently evaluated for tensile strength and surface alterations pre- and post-treatment.  The chemically treated single fibers exhibited an increasing trend in tensile strength.  The fibers treated for up to 60 minutes exhibited maximal strength, while those treated for longer than 60 minutes shown diminished tensile strength.  The fiber subjected to chemical treatment for 60 minutes had a maximum tensile strength of 9.54 MPa.

Keywords: Single fibril tensile strength, Sodium chloride, Diospyros ebenum, ASTM D3379-75 standard.