Utilization of Natural Cellulosic African Teff Straw Fiber for Development of Epoxy Composites: Thermal Characterization with Activation Energy Analysis

Abstract

This article focuses on the utilization of cellulosic fiber African Teff straw, for the fabrication of epoxy composites. 5 and 10% NaOH solution is used for surface treatment of fiber. Compositional and XPS analysis is preformed for untreated and treated fibers and O/C ratio is evaluated. Impact, morphology, crystallinity, thermal characteristics and activation energy of untreated and alkali-treated Epoxy composites reinforced by this fiber are studied. Isoconversional FWO and Friedman are applied for understanding the degradation behavior along with apparent activation energy of composites. 5% alkali-treated composites have improved thermal stability and has apparent activation energy 249 kJ/mol, which is 16% higher compared to untreated composites. Compositional and XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) analysis of fiber and characterization of composites along with XRD (X-ray diffraction) analysis also support these findings. Composites reinforced by optimally treated fiber can be utilized for semi structural applications. © 2021 Taylor & Francis.