Some Properties of Natural Fibers (Sisal, Pineapple, and Banana) in Comparison to Man-Made Technical Fibers (Aramide, Glass, Carbon)

Abstract

In this paper, we analyze the results of the delignification treatments performed on three natural fibers (sisal, pineapple, and banana) and of the thermal treatments at 400, 600, and 800°C on three industrial fibers (aramid, carbon, and glass). The fibers were analyzed by TGA, SEM, and EDS, as well as tested for tensile strength before and after the delignification and thermal treatments. Contact angle measurements were also carried out on the natural fibers. With the delignification treatments, the removal of Si, K, and Mg on pineapple and banana fibers was achieved. Thermal treatments lowered significantly the tensile strength of industrial fibers, while delignification treatments decreased slightly the mechanical resistance of natural fibers, except in the case of the pineapple fiber.