Isora fibre

Thomas et al. and Joseph et reported that the short coir fibre or isora fibre reinforced NR composites were prepared by conventional blending and... 

John MJ, Anandjiwala RD (2008) Recent developments in chemical modification and characterization of natural fiber-reinforced composites. Polym Compos 29 187-207 Joshy MK, Mathew Lovely J (2006) Rani studies on short isora fibre-reinforced polyester composites. Compos Interfaces 13(4—6) 377-390 Kicinska-Jakubowska A, Bogacz E (2009) Private sources of INEMP... 

Isora Fibre A Natural Reinforcement for the Development of High Performance Engineering Materials... 

Keywords Adhesion Bonding agent Interface Isora fibre Natural fibre Polymers Reinforcement... 

Isora fibre was separated from the bark of H. isora plant by retting process. Fibre presented in the inner part of the bark was peeled off, washed, and dried. The photographs of the stem, small plant, and the raw fibre are given in Fig. 11.1. Fibre surface was modified using alkali and silane treatments. For alkali treatment, fibres were dipped in 5% NaOH for about 4 h, then washed with water containing httle acetic acid, washed well with water, and dried in an air oven. For silane treatment (Silane A172), the alkali treated fibres were dipped in 1 % silane solution in alcohol water mixture (60 40) for 2 h. The pH of the solution was maintained between 3.5 and 4. The fibres were washed with water and dried. 

Table 11.1 (a) Chemical constituents of isora fibre, (b) Physical and mechanical properties of the fibre... 

A small positive change in the fibre density was observed for the treated fibres indicating cell wall densification. Isora fibre contains a higher percentage of hot water soluble and caustic soda soluble matter. 

Finally, it is important to mention that properties of isora fibre are comparable to other natural fibres and therefore they could be successfully used as a potential reinforcing material for polymer matrices. 

The mechanical properties of short isora fibre reinforced natural rubber composites are enhanced by chemical treatment on the fibre surface and by the use of bonding agent. Longitudinally oriented fibre composites have superior properties than transversely oriented ones. 

The optimum length and loading of isora fibre in NR composite are found to be 10 mm and 30 phr, respectively, to achieve good reinforcement. 

The surface morphology of isora fibre is modified by alkali treatment. SEM analysis revealed that better adhesion is observed between alkali treated isora fibre and NR in the composites. 

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