Mechanical properties of bagasse fibers after chemical treatment / Intan Faizatul Juraimi

Natural fiber provides an increasing demand on the global needs since these materialsare biodegradable and eco-friendly. Bagasse is a fibrous matter that remains after sugarcane is crushed to extract their juice. The mechanical properties of bagasse fibers, as well as their morphological aspect were studies thoroughly in this research. Bagasse fiber was prepared using retting process and it was then chemically treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) of varying concentration (1%, 3%, and 5%). The investigations were conducted on raw and treated bagasse fiber. The fiber length, diameter, tensile strength, and morphological surface were studied. Comparison between raw fiber and treated fiber shows that chemical treatment induced changes in fiber properties. Result from the tests found that the 3% treated fiber shows the highest force at 3.50 N/mm2. The highest elongation was 2.15 mm and stress was 0.56 N/mm2 for 3% treated fiber compare to raw fiber. The highest value for Young's Modulus also at 3% treated fiber. FESEM observation on the structure surface of fiber shown that the surface was clean and smooth in case of the 3% treated bagasse fiber in comparison to raw bagasse fiber which here a rough surface. It is shown that the mechanical properties of bagasse fibers were improve after chemical treatment. The result was supported by surface studies.