Fecha de publicación: 17/10/2024 Fuente: Journal of applied polymer Lugar: RESEARCH ARTICLE Macromolecular structure of kapok fiber and its reinforced composites.


Abstract
The present study investigates the usability of lignocellulosic kapok fibers as a reinforcement for lightweight composites. Kapok fibers are modified by dewaxing followed by a silane coupling agent at different concentrations. The crystallographic structure and the alignment of silane linkage polymer chains on fiber structure are examined using X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The linkage of chemical bonds (SiOC And SiOSi) between the polymer structure of the fiber and silane coupling agent is confirmed from FTIR spectroscopy. Additionally, the small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) study is done considering kapok fiber as a nonideal two-phase system and the study investigates the modification occurring within the macromolecular structure of the kapok fiber. Following the grafting of silanes onto the fiber, silane-modified kapok fiber-reinforced epoxy composites are fabricated using the hand lay-up technique. The chemical treatments on the fiber, enhanced flexural, tensile and impact strength of the composites by 132%, 102%, and 146% respectively.