Physio - Mechanical and Chemical Behaviour of Surface Modified Coconut Inflorescence Fiber

The dependence on bio-friendly composite has triggered researchers to explore several natural lignocellulose fibers. The promising properties of the fibers resulted in natural fibrils to be used as sustainable alternate for artificial man-made fibrils. The present work deals with exploration of physio-mechanical and chemical characteristics of coconut inflorescence fibers. The coconut inflorescence fibers are extracted by the process of retting and then the fibers are subjected to surface modification with KOH. The amorphous constituents present in the fibers were eroded and significant improvements in properties of the fibers were observed. XRD and FTIR analysis confirmed the removal of functional groups and crystallinity improvement were also confirmed. Single fiber tensile test confronted the improvement in tensile nature of the fibrils. Increase in fiber diameter was also observed as a result of surface modifications done on the fiber surfaces. Finally SEM analysis confirmed the elimination of wax and other oil covering materials existing on the surface of the fibers.