Surface and Interfaces Effects of Concentrations and Alkaline Treatment Durations on Sugar Palm Fiber as Structural Reinforcement in Polymer Composites

This study explores the effects of alkaline treatment on sugar palm fiber (SPF) to enhance its suitability as a reinforcement material in polymer composites. SPF is valued for its sustainability, renewability, and excellent mechanical and thermal properties, making it a promising candidate for eco-f...

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Main Authors: Mohammed Huzaifa Mulla, Mohd Nurazzi Norizan, Nurul Fazita Mohammed Rawi, Mohamad Haafiz Mohamad Kassim, Norli Abdullah, Mohd Nor Faiz Norrrahim
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-12-01
Series:Journal of Natural Fibers
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Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/15440478.2025.2527277
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author Mohammed Huzaifa Mulla
Mohd Nurazzi Norizan
Nurul Fazita Mohammed Rawi
Mohamad Haafiz Mohamad Kassim
Norli Abdullah
Mohd Nor Faiz Norrrahim
author_facet Mohammed Huzaifa Mulla
Mohd Nurazzi Norizan
Nurul Fazita Mohammed Rawi
Mohamad Haafiz Mohamad Kassim
Norli Abdullah
Mohd Nor Faiz Norrrahim
author_sort Mohammed Huzaifa Mulla
collection DOAJ
description This study explores the effects of alkaline treatment on sugar palm fiber (SPF) to enhance its suitability as a reinforcement material in polymer composites. SPF is valued for its sustainability, renewability, and excellent mechanical and thermal properties, making it a promising candidate for eco-friendly composite applications. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was applied at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5% for durations of 1, 2, and 3 h to improve the fiber’s chemical, structural, mechanical, and thermal characteristics. Chemical analysis showed a marked reduction in hemicellulose content, resulting in increased cellulose accessibility and crystallinity (from 53.44% to 62.07%). FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the removal of amorphous components, contributing to enhanced fiber stiffness and thermal stability. Tensile testing demonstrated a substantial increase in tensile strength (from 158.30 MPa to 233.82 MPa), while TGA results indicated improved thermal resistance, with the onset degradation temperature rising from 257.24°C to 267.08°C. SEM imaging revealed increased surface roughness, facilitating better interfacial adhesion with the polymer matrix. Overall, the alkaline treatment significantly improves SPF’s performance, reinforcing its potential as a high-performance, sustainable reinforcement material. These findings support ongoing efforts to optimize natural fiber treatments and advance the development of environmentally friendly composite materials.
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spelling doaj-art-5f7db56b098c46cfb0cbc91302f3c3962025-08-20T03:13:48ZengTaylor & Francis GroupJournal of Natural Fibers1544-04781544-046X2025-12-0122110.1080/15440478.2025.2527277Surface and Interfaces Effects of Concentrations and Alkaline Treatment Durations on Sugar Palm Fiber as Structural Reinforcement in Polymer CompositesMohammed Huzaifa Mulla0Mohd Nurazzi Norizan1Nurul Fazita Mohammed Rawi2Mohamad Haafiz Mohamad Kassim3Norli Abdullah4Mohd Nor Faiz Norrrahim5Bioresource Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, MalaysiaBioresource Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, MalaysiaBioresource Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, MalaysiaBioresource Technology Division, School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, MalaysiaCentre for Defence Foundation Studies, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaResearch Center for Chemical Defence, Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia, Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaThis study explores the effects of alkaline treatment on sugar palm fiber (SPF) to enhance its suitability as a reinforcement material in polymer composites. SPF is valued for its sustainability, renewability, and excellent mechanical and thermal properties, making it a promising candidate for eco-friendly composite applications. Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was applied at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5% for durations of 1, 2, and 3 h to improve the fiber’s chemical, structural, mechanical, and thermal characteristics. Chemical analysis showed a marked reduction in hemicellulose content, resulting in increased cellulose accessibility and crystallinity (from 53.44% to 62.07%). FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the removal of amorphous components, contributing to enhanced fiber stiffness and thermal stability. Tensile testing demonstrated a substantial increase in tensile strength (from 158.30 MPa to 233.82 MPa), while TGA results indicated improved thermal resistance, with the onset degradation temperature rising from 257.24°C to 267.08°C. SEM imaging revealed increased surface roughness, facilitating better interfacial adhesion with the polymer matrix. Overall, the alkaline treatment significantly improves SPF’s performance, reinforcing its potential as a high-performance, sustainable reinforcement material. These findings support ongoing efforts to optimize natural fiber treatments and advance the development of environmentally friendly composite materials.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/15440478.2025.2527277Alkaline treatmentsugar palm fibreinterfacial adhesionwettabilitybonding; natural fibre碱性处理
spellingShingle Mohammed Huzaifa Mulla
Mohd Nurazzi Norizan
Nurul Fazita Mohammed Rawi
Mohamad Haafiz Mohamad Kassim
Norli Abdullah
Mohd Nor Faiz Norrrahim
Surface and Interfaces Effects of Concentrations and Alkaline Treatment Durations on Sugar Palm Fiber as Structural Reinforcement in Polymer Composites
Journal of Natural Fibers
Alkaline treatment
sugar palm fibre
interfacial adhesion
wettability
bonding; natural fibre
碱性处理
title Surface and Interfaces Effects of Concentrations and Alkaline Treatment Durations on Sugar Palm Fiber as Structural Reinforcement in Polymer Composites
title_full Surface and Interfaces Effects of Concentrations and Alkaline Treatment Durations on Sugar Palm Fiber as Structural Reinforcement in Polymer Composites
title_fullStr Surface and Interfaces Effects of Concentrations and Alkaline Treatment Durations on Sugar Palm Fiber as Structural Reinforcement in Polymer Composites
title_full_unstemmed Surface and Interfaces Effects of Concentrations and Alkaline Treatment Durations on Sugar Palm Fiber as Structural Reinforcement in Polymer Composites
title_short Surface and Interfaces Effects of Concentrations and Alkaline Treatment Durations on Sugar Palm Fiber as Structural Reinforcement in Polymer Composites
title_sort surface and interfaces effects of concentrations and alkaline treatment durations on sugar palm fiber as structural reinforcement in polymer composites
topic Alkaline treatment
sugar palm fibre
interfacial adhesion
wettability
bonding; natural fibre
碱性处理
url https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/15440478.2025.2527277
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