Experimental investigation on mechanical characteristics of composite reinforced cantala fiber (CF) subjected to microcrystalline cellulose and fumigation treatments

Abstract This study examined cantala fiber (CF) that was subjected to fumigation treatment to increase interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and fiber mechanical properties. The CF was fumigated for 0 h, 5 h, 10 h, and 15 h using coconut skin for fumigation at a temperature of ±60 °C. X-ray diffraction was performed, and the crystallinity index (Cr.I) increased after fumigation. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and derivative TGA revealed a decrease in hemicellulose content. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results showed that fumigation treatment for up to 10 h resulted in a cleaner CF surface. The contact angles of water and ethylene glycol with CF were measured, and the results showed that the contact angle decreased with increased treatment time and increased wetting. The resulting IFSS showed that the interaction between the CF and the matrix increased with fumigation treatment. Testing of the tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of composites with unsaturated polyester matrix and Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) showed that fumigation treatment for 10 h produced the best results.