Because of their primary benefits, moderate strength and stiffness, low cost, and the fact that they are a renewable, biodegradable, and environmentally safe material, natural fibers are seen to have potential use as reinforcing agents in polymer composite materials. Since they are inherently hydrophilic, moisture can easily build up on them, weakening or plasticizing the fibers’ adhesion to the surrounding matrix and affecting the performance of composite materials used in atmospheric humidity, particularly at high temperatures. To strengthen the binding between the fiber and matrix, surface modifications are routinely performed to the fiber. The effects of alkali, silane, and combination alkali and silane treatments on the mechanical, morphological, and structural features of BF were examined to improve the compatibility of Dherosh fibers with the polymer matrix. The effectiveness of the saline and alkali treatments in eliminating impurities from the fiber surfaces was shown by scanning electron microscopy analysis. Compared to fibers treated with other chemicals, silane-treated fibers had fewer impurities, lignin, and hemicellulose removed, according to morphological study of treated Dherosh fiber using scanning electron microscopy. When compared to untreated, alkaline, or alkali-silane-treated Dherosh fiber, silane-treated Dherosh fiber exhibits a higher tensile strength. In the droplet test, fibers treated with silane exhibited the highest interfacial stress strength; however, the Dherosh fiber treated with alkali and alkali-silane exhibited superior interfacial stress strength. Fiber treatments are anticipated to be useful in the development of high performance Dherosh fiber reinforced polymer composites for industrial applications.

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1. World Commission on Environment and Development. Our Common Future. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press; 1987.
2. Mohanty AK, Misra M, et al. Natural fibers, biopolymers, and biocomposites, CRC press; 2005.
3. Bismarck A, Mishra S, et al. Plant fibers as reinforcement for green composites. In: Natural fibers, biopolymers, and biocomposites, CRC Press; 2005. pp. 52–128.
4. Johnson T. History of Composites. ThoughtCo. 2020 Feb 11. Available from: https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-composites-820404 (accessed 2020 Jun 24).
5. Zaman HU, Khan RA. Effect of fiber surface modifications on the properties of snake grass fiber reinforced polypropylene bio-composites. J Adhesion SciTech. 2022;36:1439–57.
6. Zaman HU, Khan RA. Surface Modification of Plant-Drive Calotropis Gigantea Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites. Progress in Appld Sci Tech. 2020;12:23–35.
7. Zaman HU, Khan RA. Surface Modified Benzoylated Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Bast Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites. Adv J Sci Eng. 2022;3:7–17.
8. Raveendran Nair G, Singh A, et al. Comparative evaluation of physical and structural properties of water retted and non-retted flax fibers. Fibers. 2013;1:59–69.
9. Zaman HU, Khan R. A novel strategy for fabrication and performance evaluation of bamboo/e-glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene hybrid composites. Intl J Res. 2021;8:201–211.
10. Zaman HU, Khan RA. Effect of Surface Treatment on the Mechanical Features of Lady’s Finger Fibers Reinforced Polymer Composites. Journal homepage: www ijrpr com ISSN; 2582:7421.
11. Zaman HU, Khan R. Biocomposites from Abaca Strands and Polypropylene: Effect of Chemical Treatment by Stearic Acid. Applied Engineering Letters: J Eng Appld Sci. 2020;5:126–134.
12. Zaman HU, Khan MA, et al. Studies of the physico-mechanical, interfacial, and degradation properties of jute fabrics/melamine composites. Intl J Polymeric Matrl. 2012;61:748–58.
13. Mathangadeera RW, Hequet EF, et al. Importance of cotton fiber elongation in fiber processing. Industr Crops Prod. 2020;147:112217.
14. Ruan P, Du J, et al. Microwave pretreated enzymatic retting of flax stems and comparison with the effect of radio frequency pretreatment. Industr Crops Prod. 2020;151:112312.
15. Grégoire M, Barthod-Malat B, et al. Investigation of the potential of hemp fibre straws harvested using a combine machine for the production of technical load-bearing textiles. Industr Crops Prod. 2020;145:111988.
16. Sun Z, Mingming W. Effects of sol-gel modification on the interfacial and mechanical properties of sisal fiber reinforced polypropylene composites. Industr Crops Prod. 2019;137:89–97.
17. Stokke DD: Alternative low-cost biomass for the biocomposites industry in Natural Fibers, Biopolymers, and Biocomposites, CRC Press; 2005. pp. 178–95.
18. Konak S, Kartal A, et al. Characterization, modification and use of biomass: Okra fibers. Bioinspired, Biomimetic and Nanobiomaterials. 2016;5:85–95.
19. Sain M, Panthapulakkal S. Bioprocess preparation of wheat straw fibers and their characterization. Industr Crops Prod. 2006;23:1–8.
20. Bacci L, Baronti S, et al. Fiber yield and quality of fiber nettle (Urtica dioica L.) cultivated in Italy. Industr Crops Prod. 2009;29:480–84.
21. Reddy N, Yang Y. Properties and potential applications of natural cellulose fibers from cornhusks. Green Chem. 2005;7:190–95.
22. Subagyo A, Chafidz A. Banana pseudo-stem fiber: Preparation, characteristics, and applications. Banana nutrition-function and processing kinetics. 2018:1–19.
23. Khan GA, Yilmaz ND, et al. Effects of chemical treatments and degumming methods on physical and mechanical properties of Okra bast and corn husk fibers. The J Textile Inst. 2020;111:1418–35.
24. Ogaji IJ, Hoag SW. Novel extraction and application of Okra gum as a film coating agent using theophylline as a model drug. J Adv Pharmac Tech Res. 2014;5:70.
25. Available online: https://www.tilasto.com/en/topic/geography-and-agriculture/crop/Okra/Okra-productionquantity (accessed on 24 June 2020).
26. De Rosa IM, Kenny JM, et al. Morphological, thermal and mechanical characterization of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) fibers as potential reinforcement in polymer composites. Comp Sci Tech. 2010;70:116–22.
27. De Rosa IM, Kenny JM, et al. Effect of chemical treatments on the mechanical and thermal behaviour of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) fibers. Comp Sci Tech. 2011;71:246–54.
28. Khan GA, Yilmaz ND, et al. Okra bast fiber as potential reinforcement element of biocomposites: Can it be the flax of the future. Handbook Comp Renew Matrl Functionaltn. 2017;4:379.
29. Zhu J, Zhu H, et al. Recent development of flax fibers and their reinforced composites based on different polymeric matrices. Materials. 2013;6:5171–98.
30. Khan GA, Shaheruzzaman M, et al. Surface modification of Okra bast fiber and its physico-chemical characteristics. Fibers and Polymers. 2009;10:65.
31. Nie X-R, Li H-Y, et al. Structural characteristics, rheological properties, and biological activities of polysaccharides from different cultivars of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) collected in China. Intl J Biolog Macromolecul. 2019;139:459–67.
32. Alam MS, Khan GA. Chemical analysis of Okra bast fiber (Abelmoschus esculentus) and its physico-chemical properties. J Textile Apparel Tech Manag. 2007;5.
33. Cheng T, Zhang J, et al. Sizing resin structure and interphase formation in carbon fiber composites. Composites. 1994;25:661–70.
34. Berg J, Jones F. The role of sizing resins, coupling agents and their blends on the formation of the interphase in glass fiber composites. Comp Part A: Appl Sci Manufac. 1998;29:1261–72.
35. Ralph C, Ghabezi P, et al. Evaluation and Analysis of Fracture Modes in single Composite Basalt/Epoxy Fibers by Photoelastic Method and Single Fiber Fragmentation Test. Fibers and Polymers. 2021.
36. Ohsawa T, Nakayama A, et al. Temperature dependence of critical fiber length for glass fiber‐reinforced thermosetting resins. J Applied Polymer Sci. 1978;22:3203–12.
37. Dupraz A, De Wijn J, et al. Characterization of silane‐treated hydroxyapatite powders for use as filler in biodegradable composites. J Biomed Matrl Res: Official J Soci Biomatrl Japanese Soci Biomatrl. 1996;30:231–8.
38. Pickering KL, Abdalla A, et al. The effect of silane coupling agents on radiata pine fiber for use in thermoplastic matrix composites. Comp Part A: Appl Sci Manufact. 2003;34:915–26.
39. Meon MS, Othman MF, et al. Improving tensile properties of kenaf fibers treated with sodium hydroxide. Procedia Eng. 2012;41:1587–92.
40. Aziz SH, Ansell MP. The effect of alkalization and fiber alignment on the mechanical and thermal properties of kenaf and hemp bast fiber composites: Part 1–polyester resin matrix. Comp Sci Tech. 2004;64:1219–30.
41. Edeerozey AM, Akil HM, et al. Chemical modification of kenaf fibers. Materials Letters. 2007;61:2023–5.
42. Puglia D, Monti M, et al. Effect of alkali and silane treatments on mechanical and thermal behavior of Phormium tenax fibers. Fibers and Polymers. 2013;14:423–7.
43. Goud G, Rao R. Effect of fiber content and alkali treatment on mechanical properties of Roystonea regia-reinforced epoxy partially biodegradable composites. Bul Mater Sci. 2011;34:1575–81.
44. Kabir M, Wang H, et al. Tensile properties of chemically treated hemp fibers as reinforcement for composites. Comp Part B: Eng. 2013;53:362–8.
45. Hossain MK, Dewan MW, et al. Mechanical performances of surface modified jute fiber reinforced biopol nanophased green composites. Comp Part B: Eng. 2011;42:1701–07.
46. Zaman HU, Beg M. Banana fiber strands–reinforced polymer matrix composites. Composite Interfaces. 2016;23:281–95.
47. Zaman HU, Khan RA. Acetylation used for natural fiber/polymer composites. J Thermoplastic Comp Matrl. 2021;34:3–23.
48. Ibrahim NA, Hadithon KA, et al. Effect of fiber treatment on mechanical properties of kenaf fiber-ecoflex composites. J Reinforced Plast Compos. 2010;29:2192–8.
49. Mishra S, Mohanty A, et al. Studies on mechanical performance of biofibre/glass reinforced polyester hybrid composites. Comp Sci Tech. 2003;63:1377–85.
50. Sawpan MA, Pickering KL, et al. Effect of fiber treatments on interfacial shear strength of hemp fibre reinforced polylactide and unsaturated polyester composites. Comp Part A: Appl Sci Manufac. 2011;42:1189–96.

Because of their primary benefits, moderate strength and stiffness, low cost, and the fact that they are a renewable, biodegradable, and environmentally safe material, natural fibers are seen to have potential use as reinforcing agents in polymer composite materials. Since they are inherently hydrophilic, moisture can easily build up on them, weakening or plasticizing the fibers’ adhesion to the surrounding matrix and affecting the performance of composite materials used in atmospheric humidity, particularly at high temperatures. To strengthen the binding between the fiber and matrix, surface modifications are routinely performed to the fiber. The effects of alkali, silane, and combination alkali and silane treatments on the mechanical, morphological, and structural features of BF were examined to improve the compatibility of Dherosh fibers with the polymer matrix. The effectiveness of the saline and alkali treatments in eliminating impurities from the fiber surfaces was shown by scanning electron microscopy analysis. Compared to fibers treated with other chemicals, silane-treated fibers had fewer impurities, lignin, and hemicellulose removed, according to morphological study of treated Dherosh fiber using scanning electron microscopy. When compared to untreated, alkaline, or alkali-silane-treated Dherosh fiber, silane-treated Dherosh fiber exhibits a higher tensile strength. In the droplet test, fibers treated with silane exhibited the highest interfacial stress strength; however, the Dherosh fiber treated with alkali and alkali-silane exhibited superior interfacial stress strength. Fiber treatments are anticipated to be useful in the development of high performance Dherosh fiber reinforced polymer composites for industrial applications.

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. World Commission on Environment and Development. Our Common Future. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press; 1987.
2. Mohanty AK, Misra M, et al. Natural fibers, biopolymers, and biocomposites, CRC press; 2005.
3. Bismarck A, Mishra S, et al. Plant fibers as reinforcement for green composites. In: Natural fibers, biopolymers, and biocomposites, CRC Press; 2005. pp. 52–128.
4. Johnson T. History of Composites. ThoughtCo. 2020 Feb 11. Available from: https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-composites-820404 (accessed 2020 Jun 24).
5. Zaman HU, Khan RA. Effect of fiber surface modifications on the properties of snake grass fiber reinforced polypropylene bio-composites. J Adhesion SciTech. 2022;36:1439–57.
6. Zaman HU, Khan RA. Surface Modification of Plant-Drive Calotropis Gigantea Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites. Progress in Appld Sci Tech. 2020;12:23–35.
7. Zaman HU, Khan RA. Surface Modified Benzoylated Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) Bast Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Composites. Adv J Sci Eng. 2022;3:7–17.
8. Raveendran Nair G, Singh A, et al. Comparative evaluation of physical and structural properties of water retted and non-retted flax fibers. Fibers. 2013;1:59–69.
9. Zaman HU, Khan R. A novel strategy for fabrication and performance evaluation of bamboo/e-glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene hybrid composites. Intl J Res. 2021;8:201–211.
10. Zaman HU, Khan RA. Effect of Surface Treatment on the Mechanical Features of Lady’s Finger Fibers Reinforced Polymer Composites. Journal homepage: www ijrpr com ISSN; 2582:7421.
11. Zaman HU, Khan R. Biocomposites from Abaca Strands and Polypropylene: Effect of Chemical Treatment by Stearic Acid. Applied Engineering Letters: J Eng Appld Sci. 2020;5:126–134.
12. Zaman HU, Khan MA, et al. Studies of the physico-mechanical, interfacial, and degradation properties of jute fabrics/melamine composites. Intl J Polymeric Matrl. 2012;61:748–58.
13. Mathangadeera RW, Hequet EF, et al. Importance of cotton fiber elongation in fiber processing. Industr Crops Prod. 2020;147:112217.
14. Ruan P, Du J, et al. Microwave pretreated enzymatic retting of flax stems and comparison with the effect of radio frequency pretreatment. Industr Crops Prod. 2020;151:112312.
15. Grégoire M, Barthod-Malat B, et al. Investigation of the potential of hemp fibre straws harvested using a combine machine for the production of technical load-bearing textiles. Industr Crops Prod. 2020;145:111988.
16. Sun Z, Mingming W. Effects of sol-gel modification on the interfacial and mechanical properties of sisal fiber reinforced polypropylene composites. Industr Crops Prod. 2019;137:89–97.
17. Stokke DD: Alternative low-cost biomass for the biocomposites industry in Natural Fibers, Biopolymers, and Biocomposites, CRC Press; 2005. pp. 178–95.
18. Konak S, Kartal A, et al. Characterization, modification and use of biomass: Okra fibers. Bioinspired, Biomimetic and Nanobiomaterials. 2016;5:85–95.
19. Sain M, Panthapulakkal S. Bioprocess preparation of wheat straw fibers and their characterization. Industr Crops Prod. 2006;23:1–8.
20. Bacci L, Baronti S, et al. Fiber yield and quality of fiber nettle (Urtica dioica L.) cultivated in Italy. Industr Crops Prod. 2009;29:480–84.
21. Reddy N, Yang Y. Properties and potential applications of natural cellulose fibers from cornhusks. Green Chem. 2005;7:190–95.
22. Subagyo A, Chafidz A. Banana pseudo-stem fiber: Preparation, characteristics, and applications. Banana nutrition-function and processing kinetics. 2018:1–19.
23. Khan GA, Yilmaz ND, et al. Effects of chemical treatments and degumming methods on physical and mechanical properties of Okra bast and corn husk fibers. The J Textile Inst. 2020;111:1418–35.
24. Ogaji IJ, Hoag SW. Novel extraction and application of Okra gum as a film coating agent using theophylline as a model drug. J Adv Pharmac Tech Res. 2014;5:70.
25. Available online: https://www.tilasto.com/en/topic/geography-and-agriculture/crop/Okra/Okra-productionquantity (accessed on 24 June 2020).
26. De Rosa IM, Kenny JM, et al. Morphological, thermal and mechanical characterization of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) fibers as potential reinforcement in polymer composites. Comp Sci Tech. 2010;70:116–22.
27. De Rosa IM, Kenny JM, et al. Effect of chemical treatments on the mechanical and thermal behaviour of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) fibers. Comp Sci Tech. 2011;71:246–54.
28. Khan GA, Yilmaz ND, et al. Okra bast fiber as potential reinforcement element of biocomposites: Can it be the flax of the future. Handbook Comp Renew Matrl Functionaltn. 2017;4:379.
29. Zhu J, Zhu H, et al. Recent development of flax fibers and their reinforced composites based on different polymeric matrices. Materials. 2013;6:5171–98.
30. Khan GA, Shaheruzzaman M, et al. Surface modification of Okra bast fiber and its physico-chemical characteristics. Fibers and Polymers. 2009;10:65.
31. Nie X-R, Li H-Y, et al. Structural characteristics, rheological properties, and biological activities of polysaccharides from different cultivars of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) collected in China. Intl J Biolog Macromolecul. 2019;139:459–67.
32. Alam MS, Khan GA. Chemical analysis of Okra bast fiber (Abelmoschus esculentus) and its physico-chemical properties. J Textile Apparel Tech Manag. 2007;5.
33. Cheng T, Zhang J, et al. Sizing resin structure and interphase formation in carbon fiber composites. Composites. 1994;25:661–70.
34. Berg J, Jones F. The role of sizing resins, coupling agents and their blends on the formation of the interphase in glass fiber composites. Comp Part A: Appl Sci Manufac. 1998;29:1261–72.
35. Ralph C, Ghabezi P, et al. Evaluation and Analysis of Fracture Modes in single Composite Basalt/Epoxy Fibers by Photoelastic Method and Single Fiber Fragmentation Test. Fibers and Polymers. 2021.
36. Ohsawa T, Nakayama A, et al. Temperature dependence of critical fiber length for glass fiber‐reinforced thermosetting resins. J Applied Polymer Sci. 1978;22:3203–12.
37. Dupraz A, De Wijn J, et al. Characterization of silane‐treated hydroxyapatite powders for use as filler in biodegradable composites. J Biomed Matrl Res: Official J Soci Biomatrl Japanese Soci Biomatrl. 1996;30:231–8.
38. Pickering KL, Abdalla A, et al. The effect of silane coupling agents on radiata pine fiber for use in thermoplastic matrix composites. Comp Part A: Appl Sci Manufact. 2003;34:915–26.
39. Meon MS, Othman MF, et al. Improving tensile properties of kenaf fibers treated with sodium hydroxide. Procedia Eng. 2012;41:1587–92.
40. Aziz SH, Ansell MP. The effect of alkalization and fiber alignment on the mechanical and thermal properties of kenaf and hemp bast fiber composites: Part 1–polyester resin matrix. Comp Sci Tech. 2004;64:1219–30.
41. Edeerozey AM, Akil HM, et al. Chemical modification of kenaf fibers. Materials Letters. 2007;61:2023–5.
42. Puglia D, Monti M, et al. Effect of alkali and silane treatments on mechanical and thermal behavior of Phormium tenax fibers. Fibers and Polymers. 2013;14:423–7.
43. Goud G, Rao R. Effect of fiber content and alkali treatment on mechanical properties of Roystonea regia-reinforced epoxy partially biodegradable composites. Bul Mater Sci. 2011;34:1575–81.
44. Kabir M, Wang H, et al. Tensile properties of chemically treated hemp fibers as reinforcement for composites. Comp Part B: Eng. 2013;53:362–8.
45. Hossain MK, Dewan MW, et al. Mechanical performances of surface modified jute fiber reinforced biopol nanophased green composites. Comp Part B: Eng. 2011;42:1701–07.
46. Zaman HU, Beg M. Banana fiber strands–reinforced polymer matrix composites. Composite Interfaces. 2016;23:281–95.
47. Zaman HU, Khan RA. Acetylation used for natural fiber/polymer composites. J Thermoplastic Comp Matrl. 2021;34:3–23.
48. Ibrahim NA, Hadithon KA, et al. Effect of fiber treatment on mechanical properties of kenaf fiber-ecoflex composites. J Reinforced Plast Compos. 2010;29:2192–8.
49. Mishra S, Mohanty A, et al. Studies on mechanical performance of biofibre/glass reinforced polyester hybrid composites. Comp Sci Tech. 2003;63:1377–85.
50. Sawpan MA, Pickering KL, et al. Effect of fiber treatments on interfacial shear strength of hemp fibre reinforced polylactide and unsaturated polyester composites. Comp Part A: Appl Sci Manufac. 2011;42:1189–96.