Effect of Alkaline Treatment on the Physical, Chemical, and Mechanical Properties of Coconut Palm Nucifera Rachis Fibres

Abstract

In this study, an alkaline treatment of raw fibers obtained from the rachis of the coconut palm nucifera (FRC) has been performed, with the aim of using the derived composites as cladding elements in the field of civil engineering. These raw fibers are structurally fragile, which limits their use. Fibers obtained by water retting have been treated with different concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5% NaOH. The crystallographic structure and chemical composition are determined using X-ray diffraction techniques. The average values obtained for lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose read 33.46%, 31.85%, and 33.30%, respectively, for the raw fiber (FRC) then 21.66%, 29.1%, and 49.04% for the treated fiber (FRC3/120). The density of the fiber is between 0.36 and 1.09. Analysis of mechanical properties shows their significant improvement with alkaline treatment. The Young’s modulus and the ultimate stress read, respectively, 15,144.30 Mpa and 927.06 Mpa for both samples. Those results make the treated fiber a good candidate for bio composite used in wet environment because of its strength and resistance to water absorption. Further studies can explore the production of composite reinforced with treated fibers, and then evaluate their efficiency in maritime environment.