ALKALINE TREATMENT OF SUGARCANE BAGASSE FIBERS FOR BIOCOMPOSITE APPLICATIONS

This study investigates the mechanical, structural, morphological, and thermal properties of chemically treated and untreated sugarcane bagasse fibers (SCB). Various concentrations of NaOH were used for the treatment over four hours. The main goal was to investigate the impact of alkali treatment on the overall properties of SCB fibers intended for composite applications. The results indicated that the crystallinity index, thermal stability, and mechanical properties were improved with the treatment, and this is due to the removal of impurities initially present on the outer surface of the SCB fiber and the reduction of amorphous components. This improvement may facilitate better adhesion between the SCB fibers and the polymeric matrices in biocomposite applications. However, it is important to determine the optimal concentration of NaOH that improves the properties of the SCB fiber without damaging the fiber’s structure.