EFFECT OF VARIOUS CHEMICAL TREATMENTS ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF ERYTHRINA VARIEGATA FIBERS: APPLICATION IN EPOXY COMPOSITES

Recently, there has been an increasing trend in utilizing lignocellulosic fiber reinforced composites in structural applications within the construction and automobile industries, replacing conventional materials based on metals and their derivatives. In the present study, Erythrina variegata fibers (EVFs) were subjected to a number of chemical treatments individually (alkalization, benzoyl peroxide, potassium permanganate, and stearic acid treatments). The effects of these chemical treatments on the EVFs were examined through chemical composition analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). This comprehensive analysis aimed to assess the suitability of the chemically treated EVFs for use as reinforcement in thermoset polymer matrix composites. The alkali treated fibers (AEVFs) were found as optimum and were then used as reinforcement in epoxy adhesives. Different fiber loadings (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 wt%) were incorporated into the epoxy matrix to investigate their effects on the properties of the composites. Therefore, the tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, and thermal stability of the prepared composites were evaluated under controlled laboratory conditions. The findings collectively suggested that the epoxy composites reinforced with 20 wt% of AEVFs exhibited promising characteristics for lightweight structural applications.