Surface Modification of Henequen Fibers with Catalyst for Improving Mechanical and Thermal Properties in Phenolic Composites for Automotive Uses

In this study, henequen fibers that had been treated with NaOH were used as reinforcements in phenolic-based materials. The hot-pressing method was used to create composites, which were then tested for tensile, flexural, fundamental, and thermogravimetric characteristics. When compared with samples that were untreated, the total attributes of fiber interface modification and treatment improved. The treated varieties of 50% henequen materials had the best tensile qualities of all composites, although their flexural values fell somewhat in comparison to the unprocessed materials. Fiber processing reduced the three-point bending characteristics of henequen composites. SEM was used to investigate the behavior of matrix and fiber bonding prior to and following pretreatment. Processed with 50% henequen resulted in improved fiber dispersion, 60% henequen resulted in void content, whereas 40% henequen resulted in inadequate fiber/matrix interface bonding. Thermogravimetric evaluation was used to investigate the behavior of processed henequen and phenolic materials at high temperatures and discovered that their thermal resilience was improved due to strong bonding between the layers. Coated 50% henequen demonstrated improved characteristics due to the proportion of fiber/matrix blending and improved bonding between surfaces. Henequen material has a chance to be used for exterior use as well as artificial roof and wall construction.