ABSTRACT

This work has investigated the effect of various chemical treatments on the properties of bagasse
fibre for use as filler in unsaturated polyester composite. Bagasse is a natural fibre obtained as a
by-product of the sugarcane milling process. As with other natural fibres it has the setback of
being hydrophilic; this research tried to explore the use of chemical modification of the fibre
surface as a way of remedy. Four different chemicals, namely, Sodium hydroxide, Acetic acid,
Acrylic acid and Potassium permanganate were used in carrying out the treatments. Mechanical
properties such as tensile strength and modulus, flexural strength and modulus were carried out.
The treatments were carried out for 3hours at 70oC except for Sodium hydroxide treatment that
was done at room temperature using 2wt% concentration. The Fourier Transform Infrared
Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the fibre revealed that the Potassium permanganate treatment
had more effect as most of the OH group visible at a peak of around 3400cm-1 were reduced.
Also the peaks showing lignin, pectin, and hemicelluose at peaks of 1250-1260cm-1
, 1600-
1650cm-1
, and 1720-1750cm-1
respectively were also removed which were all present in the
untreated fibre. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) studies of Potassium permanganate
treated fibre composite revealed the roughness of the fibre increased as a result of the various
chemicals which also showed that Potassium permanganate treated fibre became rougher as
compared to the untreated fibre and also had more micropores. The tensile strength of Potassium
permanganate treated fibre composite was found to be 77.85MPa as compared to 68.50MPa of
the untreated fibre composite. The water absorption level was found to be lower at 2.2%
maximum than the untreated fibre composite except for the unsaturated polyester composite
which is as expected and was at an average of 5%. The hardness and impact strength were also
improved for all chemically treated samples. However, in the case of flexural strength not much
effect was seen and in fact the flexural modulus of KMnO4 treated fibre composite dropped to
vi
21.1MPa and NaOH treated fibre composite was 25.60MPa, Acetic acid (CH3COOH) treated
fibre composite 20.91MPa and CH2=CHCO2H treated fibre composite 15.90MPa, all of which
were lower than the untreated fibre composite. SEM studies on the composites indicated that
higher interaction was found in KMnO4 treated fibre composite although little debonding was
observed.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Tittle page ………………………………………………………………………………………i
Declaration ……………………………………………………………………………………..ii
Certification ……………………………………………………………………………………iii
Acknowledgements ………………………………………………………………………… …iv
Abstract …………………………………………………………………………………………v
Table of Contents ………………………………………………………………………………vii
List of Figures ………………………………………………………………………………….xi
List of Tables …………………………………………………………………………………xii
List of Plates …………………………………………………………………………………..xiii
List of Equations ………………………………………………………………………….……xv
List of Appendices……………………………………………………………………………..xvi
List of abbreviations……………………………………………………………………………xvii
CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION ………..……………………………………………………………..1
1.1 Composites……..…………………………………………………………………………2
1.1.1 Classes of composite……..……………………………………………………………….3
1.1.2 Components of a typical composite……..……………………………………………..…5
1.1.2.1 Functions of the matrix………………………………………………………………..…..6
1.1.2.2 Reinforcement ……..………………………………………………………………….….7
viii
1.1.2.3 Benefits of composites ……..…………………………………………………………….9
1.2 Fibres……..……………………………………………………………………………..11
1.2.1 Agricultural fibres ……..………………………………………………………………..11
1.2.2 Sugarcane bagasse fibre……..…………………………………………………………..11
1.3 Statement of the Research Problem…. ………………………………………………….13
1.4 Research Aim and Objectives ..………………………………………………………….14
1.5 Justification ………………………………………………………………………………14
1.6 Scope of the Study………… …………………………………………………………….15
CHAPTER TWO
2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW………………………………………………………..………16
2.1 Surface Treatment and Fibre Modification………………..…………………………….20
2.1.1 Alkaline treatment………………………………………………………………………..21
2.1.2 Silane treatment…..………………………………………………………………………22
2.1.3 Acetylation of natural fibres……………………………………………………………..23
2.1.4 Benzoylation treatment…………………………………………………………………24
2.1.5 Acrylation and Acrylonitrile grafting……………………………………………………24
2.1.6 Meleated coupling agents………………………………………………………………..25
2.1.7 Permanganate treatment………………………………………………………………….25
2.1.8 Perioxide treatment………………………………………………………………………26
2.1.9 Isocyanate treatment……………………………………………………………………..27
2.1.10 Graft copolymerization……………………………………………………………………27
ix
2.2 Polymeric Materials ………………………………………………………………………28
2.2.1 Unsaturated polyester …………………………………………………………………….29
2.2.2 Chemical properties of unsaturated polyester ……………………………………………32
2.2.3 Advantages and disadvantaged of unsaturated polyester ……………………..…………36
2.3 Fabrication Methods ……..……………………………………………………….……..36
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS…..……………………………………………….……39
3.1 Experiment.………………………………………………………………………………39
3.2 Materials……………….…………………………………………………………………39
3.2.1 Chemicals and reagents………………………………………………………………….39
3.3 Equipment………………………………………………………………………….……..40
3.4 Methods ………………………………………………………………………….………40
3.4.1 Fibre preparation ………………………………………………………………….……..41
3.4.1.1 Extraction of sugarcane fibres ……..……………………………………………………41
3.4.2 Treatment of fibres.. ……………………………………………………………….…….42
3.5 Composite Preparation….………………………………………………………………..43
3.6 Characterization……..……………………………………………………………………45
3.6.1 Functional group determination………………………………………………………….45
3.6.2 Determination of tensile strength and modulus …………………………..…………….45
3.6.3 Impact test ………………………………………………………………………………47
3.6.4 Hardness testing …………………………………………………………………………48
x
3.6.5 Morphological analysis …………………………………………………………………49
3.6.6 Water absorption ………………………………………………………………………..50
CHAPTER FOUR
4.0 RESULTS AND DISSCUSSION ………………………………………………………51
4.1 Surface Treatment of Fibre ……………………………………………………..……….51
4.1.1 Alkaline treatment using Sodium hydroxide …………………………….………………51
4.1.2 Permanganate treatment using Potassium permanganate ………………………………..51
4.1.3 Acetylation using Acetic acid …………………………………………………………..51
4.1.4 Acrylation using Acrylic acid …………………………………………………………..52
4.2 FTIR Spectroscopy……………………………………………………………………..52
4.3 Water Absorption ……..…………………………………………………………………65
4.4 Tensile Properties ……………………………………………………………………….66
4.5 Flexural Properties ………………………………………………………………………69
4.6 Impact Test ………………………………………………………………………………70
4.7 Hardness Test ……………………………………………………………………………71
4.8 Morphological Analysis …………………………………………………………………71
CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION ………………………….76
5.1 Summary …………………………………………………………………………………76
5.2 Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………………….78
5.3 Recommendations ……………………………………………………………………..79
xi
REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………………….81
APPENDICES…………………………………………………………………………….…..89

 

 

CHAPTER ONE

 

1.0 INTRODUCTION
The use of natural fiber composite is wide and immeasurable in terms of quality, ease of use and
good mechanical properties (Nishito et al., 2003). These materials have been widely used in the
systems for comfortable driving and to reduce the energy consumption. It is used in automotive,
construction, furniture and building industries and also packaging (Satayanarayana et al., 2009;
and Inuwa 2013). Natural fiber composites have many advantages over synthetic ones as result
of their low cost, recyclability, biodegradability, environmental friendliness, low density, high
specific strength and stiffness; excellent absorbance properties and high impact energy
absorption (Lu Na et al., 2012; Mohanty et al., 2003; Munawar et al., 2007; and Mwaikambo
and Ansell 2002). Environmental issues have resulted in considerable interest in the development
of new composite materials based on biodegradable resources (Maldas et al., 2007); the renewed
interest of natural fibers was a result of non-renewable problems coupled with the disposal of the
synthetic petroleum – based products (Sain et al., 2005). Short fibres are used in rubber
compounding to considerably improve processing advantages, improvement in certain
mechanical properties and for economic consideration (Gonzalez and Ansell 2009; and Gu
2007). The reinforcement of biofibers rubber composites has been well documented by Mark
(2011). Though natural fibers have been largely appreciated and appraised, they have their
limitations. Their hydrophilic property poses a serious challenge in their effective use and so is
not well compatible with polymer matrix which is hydrophobic. To overcome this, the fibre
surface has to be modified (Thamae et al., 2007; Dittenber and Gangarao 2012; and Bledzki et
al., 1996). The modification could be physical or chemical and has various types, this treatment
2
process removes non cellulosic substance, e.g. impurities, waxes, pectin, hemicelluloses, lignins
which cover the cellulose fibrils and bind these fibrils together (Wu et al., 2000). These
contribute to ineffective fibre – matrix interaction and poor surface wetting. Removal of these
substances also gives rise to a rougher fibre surface resulting in an increase in surface contact of
the fibre and the matrix. This causes an improvement of mechanical interlocking between the
polymer and the fibre, leading to enhanced mechanical properties (Sulawan et al., 2012).
The vast number of natural fibres used for making composite includes wood, Jute, Bamboo,
Sisal, Hemp, Flax, Oil palm, Kenaf, and of recent Bagasse fiber. These fibers were reinforced
with various matrixes such as polyester, epoxy, vinyl ester, thermosets, LDPE, phenolformaldehyde e.t.c. (Xue et al., 2006; Maya et al., 2007; Sain et al., 2005; Nural and Ishak
2012; Xie et al., 2010; Alvarez and Vazquez 2006; Sever 2010; Seki 2009; Saw et al., 2011 and
Srubar et al., 2012).
1.1 Composites
Composites are materials formed in form of a blend. That is, they contain at least two different
materials with varying traits and properties. However, in the blend (composite), their properties
are improved. The intent of a composite is to obtain desirable traits, features and characteristics
that cannot be obtained when these materials are used individually. The individual materials in
the composite still retain their distinct properties. A composite comprises of the reinforcement
and the matrix; the reinforcement (that imparts rigidity) is held in place by the matrix which is
usually the weaker component (Hull and Clyne 1996).
The majority of composites are fibre-reinforced plastics, in which the fibres are embedded in a
3
matrix. Essentially, stiff composite parts consist of a textile material that is ―frozen‖ into the
shape of a polymer matrix that also protects the fibres against degradation due to external factors
such as moisture, chemicals, and UV-radiation.
The fibres in the matrix may consist of individual fibres or they may have been cross-linked in a
specific textile structure, such as a yarn, a woven, knitted fabric or a nonwoven structure.
The fibres in the matrix may be oriented in one or more directions. The fibre orientation, length,
stiffness and fiber volume fraction will determine to a large extent the mechanical properties of
the final composite.
1.1.1. Classes of composite
Broadly, composites may be classified into three groups on the basis of matrix. They are:
Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC)
Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC)
Metal Matrix Composite (MMC)
Ceramics Matrix Composite (CMC):
These may be of low density (although some are very dense). They have great thermal stability
and are resistant to most forms of attack (abrasion, wear, corrosion). Although intrinsically very
rigid and strong because of their chemical bonding, they are all brittle and can be formed and
shaped only with difficulty. These composites are therefore of good strength and stiffness.
Metal Matrix Composites (MMC):
They are mostly of medium to high density – only magnesium, aluminum and beryllium can
compete with plastics in this respect. Many have good thermal stability and may be made
4
corrosion resistant by alloying. They have useful mechanical properties and high toughness, and
they are moderately easy to shape and join. It is largely a consequence of their ductility and
resistance to cracking that metals, as a class, became the preferred engineering materials. On the
basis of even so superficial a comparison it can be seen that each class has certain intrinsic
advantages and weaknesses, although metals pose fewer problems for the designer than either
plastics or ceramics.
Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC):
These are composites in which their matrices are polymers and are the most common. They are
of low density. They have good short-term chemical resistance but they lack thermal stability
and have only moderate resistance to environmental degradation (especially that caused by the
photo-chemical effects of sunlight). They have poor mechanical properties, but are easily
fabricated and joined. More so, their manufacturing equipments are simpler and easier to handle
and operate. This is further classified into;
Fibre – Reinforced Polymer (FRP)
Particulate – Reinforced Polymer (PRP)
Fibre – Reinforced Polymer (FRP): Common fibre – reinforced composites are composed of a
fibre and a matrix. Fibres are used as reinforcements; they serve as the main source of strength
while the matrix glues all the fibres together in shape and transfers stresses between the
reinforcing fibres. The fibres carry the loads along their longitudinal directions. Sometimes, filler
might be added to aid the manufacturing process, imparting special properties to the composites,
and / or reduce the cost.
Common fibre reinforcing agents include asbestos, carbon/graphite fibres, beryllium, beryllium
carbide, beryllium oxide, molybdenum, aluminum oxide, glass fibres, polyamide, natural fibres
5
etc. similarly, common matrix material includes epoxy, phenolic, unsaturated polyester,
polyurethane, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), vinyl esters, etc. epoxy is widely used and has good
adhesion properties. However its cost has greatly limited its use.
Particulate – Reinforced Polymer (PRP): Particles used for reinforcement include ceramics and
glasses such as small mineral particles, metal particles such as aluminum and amorphous
materials, including polymers and carbon black. Particles are used to increase the modules of the
matrix and to decrease the ductility of the matrix. Reinforcements and matrices can be common,
inexpensive materials and that are easily processed. Some of the useful properties of ceramics
and glasses include high melting point temperature, low density, high strength, stiffness, wear
resistance, and corrosion resistance.
Many ceramics are good electrical and thermal insulators. Some ceramics have special
properties; some ceramics are magnetic materials; some are piezoelectric materials; and a few
special ceramics are even superconductors at very low temperatures. However, ceramics and
glasses have one major setback: they are brittle. A good example of a particle reinforced
composite is the thread of an automobile tire which has carbon black particles in a matrix of
rubber polymer (Owen 2014).
1.1.2 Components of a typical composite
The major components are:
Matrix; and
Reinforcement
The Matrix: Matrix is continuous, ductile, more flexible and plastic substance. it distributes the
load among reinforcing units.
6
1.1.2.1 Functions of the matrix
The matrix binds the fibres together, holding them aligned in the important stressed directions.
Loads applied to the composite are then transferred into the fibers, the principal load-bearing
component through the matrix; enabling the composite to withstand compression, flexural and
shear forces as well as tensile loads. The ability of composites reinforced with short fibres to
support loads of any kind is dependent on the presence of the matrix as the load-transfer
medium, and the efficiency of this load transfer is directly related to the quality of the
fibre/matrix bond.
The matrix must also isolate the fibers from each other so that they can act as separate entities.
Many reinforcing fibers are brittle solids with highly variable strengths. When such materials are
used in the form of fine fibers, not only are the fibers stronger than the monolithic form of the
same solid, but there is the additional benefit that the fiber aggregate does not fail
catastrophically. Moreover, fibre bundle strength is less variable than that of a monolithic rod of
equivalent load-bearing the ability. But these advantages of the fibre aggregate can only be
realized if the matrix separates the fibres from each other so that cracks are unable to pass
unimpeded through sequences of fibres in contact, which would result in completely brittle
composites.
The matrix should protect the reinforcing filaments from mechanical damage (eg. abrasion)
and from environmental attack. Since many of the resins which are used as matrices for glass
fibres permit diffusion of water, this function is often not fulfilled in many GRP materials and
the environmental damage that results is aggravated by stress. In cement the alkaline nature of
7
the matrix itself is damaging to ordinary glass fibres and alkali-resistant glasses containing
zirconium have been developed in an effort to counter this.
For composites like MMCs or CMCs operating at elevated temperature, the matrix would need
to protect the fibres from oxidative attack.
A ductile matrix will provide a means of slowing down or stopping cracks that might have
originated at broken fibres: conversely, a brittle matrix may depend upon the fibres to act as
matrix crack stoppers.
Through the quality of its ‗grip‘ on the fibres (the interfacial bond strength), the matrix can also
be an important means of increasing the toughness of the composite.
By comparison with the common reinforcing filaments most matrix materials are weak and
flexible and their strengths and moduli are often neglected in calculating composite properties.
But metals are structural materials in their own right and in MMCs their inherent shear stiffness
and compression rigidity are important in determining the behavior of the composite in shear and
compression. The potential for reinforcing any given material will depend to some extent on its
ability to carry out some or all of these matrix functions, but there are often other considerations.
1.1.2.2 Reinforcement: Discontinuous, hard and firm component
Styles of reinforcements
Many reinforcing fibres are marketed as wide, semi-continuous sheets of ‗prepreg‘ consisting of
single layers of fibre tows impregnated with the required matrix resin and flattened between
paper carrier sheets. These are then stacked and allowed to cure with time, the orientations of
each ‗ply‘ being arranged in accordance with design requirements, and hot pressed to consolidate
8
the laminate. This process is able to cope with curved surfaces, provided the degree of curvature
is not too great, but there may be a possibility of local wrinkling of the fibres when prepregs are
pressed into doubly curved shapes.
One means of overcoming this problem is to use the reinforcement in the form of a woven cloth.
Many of the fine filamentary reinforcing fibers like glass, carbon and Silicon can be readily
woven into many kinds of cloths and braids, the fibres being effectively placed by the weaving
process in the directions required by the designer of the final composite structure.
In simple designs, this may call for nothing more elaborate than an ordinary plain weave or satin
weave, with fibres running in a variety of patterns but in only two directions, say 0° and 90°, but
weaving processes to produce cloths with fibres in several directions if the plane of the cloth are
readily available. Fibres of different types have also been intermingled during the weaving
processes to produce mixed-fibre cloth for the manufacture of fabrics.
We have considered expensive raw materials, and it is often only the fact that the overall cost of
a product may nevertheless be lower than a manufactured composite, conventional materials by
more costly processes that makes a competing product made from composites design solution
gives an attractive alternative. Thus, although large quantities of glass fibres are supplied in
chopped form for compounding with both thermoplastic and thermosetting matrix polymers, it
may not seem economical to chop the more expensive types of reinforcement. Nevertheless,
there are some advantages in using even these fibers in chopped form, provided they can be
arranged in the composite in such a way as to make good use of their intrinsically high strengths
and stiffness. The process for producing both chopped fibres, like glass and carbon, and naturally
short filaments, like whiskers or asbestos fibres, in the form of prepreg sheets with fibres that
were very well aligned in either unidirectional or poly-directional patterns is advantageous.
9
These prepregs also have excellent ‗drapability‘ and can be used to form complex shapes, long as
the short fibres are well above some critical length, which for carbon, for example, may be of the
order of only a millimeter, they are able to contribute a high fraction of the intrinsic properties to
the composite without the loss that occurs with woven reinforcements as a result of the out-ofplane curvature of the fibres
Composite materials are usually classified by the type of reinforcement they use. For example, in
a mud brick, the matrix is the mud and the reinforcement is the straw. Common composite types
include random-fiber or short-fiber reinforcement, continuous-fibre or long-fibre reinforcement,
particulate reinforcement, flake reinforcement, and filler reinforcement.
In the composite material, the structural reinforcement is held in place by matrix. In the case of
fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, structural fibre is surrounded by a matrix adding
rigidity. Most often this matrix is a thermoplastic or a thermosetting resin. A matrix alone is not
structural and brittle while the reinforcement alone is flimsy. But together, they form a strong
composite. A matrix is therefore the resinous phase of a reinforced plastic material which the
fibres or filaments of a composite are embedded.
Fibre-matrix interface is the area which separates the fibre from the matrix and differs from them
chemically, physically and mechanically. This region in most composite materials has a finite
thickness because of diffusion and / or chemical reactions between the fibre and the matrix.
1.1.3 Benefits of composites
a. Light weight: In comparing composites to materials like ceramic, metal, and wood; then,
composite can be said to be very light typically a composite material will weigh ¼ that of
a steel structure of the same strength. Hence, a car or motorcycle made from composite
10
will weigh much lesser that when made from steel or other alloy metals. It has also been
proven that fuel consumption is greatly reduced.
b. High strength: One major reason of blending materials is to obtain certain desired
characteristics based on end use. Increase in strength is one of such and composite
materials are extremely strong, particularly per unit weight. Composite materials like
Aramid and S-glass which are used widely for making body armor. Soldiers have more
protection from blast and fire threats due to high strength composite materials.
c. Corrosion and chemical resistance: Composites are highly resistant to chemicals and will
never rust or corrode. This explains the much use of composites in marine applications,
they were also among the very first to discover composite as salt water is corrosive and
can lead to rusting. Composite is therefore a big advantage to the marine industry.
d. Elastic: Fibre reinforced composites have excellent elastic properties. When metals or
steel are bent, they yield but in the case of composite, they almost immediately snap back
into place a phenomenon that is ideal for springs. Thus, composites are used in car leaf
springs.
e. Non-conductive: Certain composites are non-conducting. For example, ladders are meant
to be strong and rigid but not conduct electricity when made from composite, but those
made from aluminum can conduct electricity. Although, most electrical companies such
as the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) still use aluminum which is not safe
for workers, a number of developed countries now use composite ladders which are safer.
11
1.2 Fibres
These are flexible macroscopically homogeneous body having a ratio of length to width and a
small cross-section.
Fibres are classified as either natural or synthetic
Natural fibres: These can be mineral based e.g. asbestos; animal based e.g. wool, silk, mohair,
e.t.c or vegetable which are classified as part of the plant from which the fibre is obtained e.g.
seed hairs (cotton, kapok), stem or bast fibres (hemp, jute, ramie, Kenaf), fruit (coir) and leaf
(sisal, pineapple, palm, henequen, bagasse). Ugbolue (1999).
1.2.1 Agricultural fibres
There is an increasing interest in using agricultural fibres for building components, either to
complement or replace wood. Many of these lingocellulosics have been used to successfully
produce particleboards, fibreboards, inorganic bonded products, and other building components.
Building components made from agricultural materials fall into the same product categories as
other wood-based composition products. Low-density insulation boards, medium-density
fibreboards, hard-boards, particleboard, and other building system components, such as walls
and roofs, are being produced. Binders may be synthetic thermosetting resins, modified naturally
occurring resins like tannin or lignin, starches, thermoplastics, inorganic, or no binder at all.
There seems to be little restriction to what has been tried and what may work.
1.2.2 Sugarcane bagasse fibre
Sugarcane, a renewable agricultural resource from which bagasse fibre is obtained is largely
grown in three major countries namely; Brazil, India, and China in decreasing order. It is also
12
grown in other parts of the world which includes northern Nigeria but in relatively small
quantities as compared to the above mentioned countries. From literature, there are over 10
varieties of sugarcane grown around the world identified using numbers, each with its
distinguishing characteristics ranging from color, size, taste, time of maturity, crystallinity,
tensile and flexural properties, to soil adaptability.
Bagasse is an organic waste product produced during the pressing of sugar cane to extract sugar
and the extraction of juice from sorghum that is used to make alcoholic beverages. While it was
originally seen to have no commercial value, it is now used as a source of cellulose to make
ethanol fuel, shaped into disposable table ware, paper production in nations with climates where
only few trees can be grown; it is also inculcated into building materials. Using bagasse in this
manner is seen as beneficial to the environment and as a significant reduction in the waste
stream. In some other instances, bagasse is burned to supply heat to the sugar refining operation;
some is returned to the fields; and finds their way into various panel products. Bagasse is
composed of fibre and pith. The fibre is thick walled and relatively long (1 to 4mm). It is
obtained from the rind and fibro vascular bundles dispersed throughout the interior of the stalk.
For the best quality bagasse fibre and particle boards, only the fibrous portion is utilized.
Another name for bagasse is megass, from a root term that originally meant ―rubbish‖. Instead of
creating air pollution by burning it, however, new uses for it continue to flourish daily. It has
become an essential ingredient in pressed construction materials used in the building trade, in the
manufacture of acoustical tile, and as a source fibre in animal feed. Brazil has the world leading
economy for bagasse production from sugarcane, followed closely by India. It was estimated in
2004 that Brazil produced 12% of its own electricity needs by using it to generate alchohol–
based fuel such as ethanol, or through burning the waste in pellet form directly. The Brazilian
13
Sugarcane Industry Association (UNICA) noted in 2011 that the harvest was projected to be
around 595.89million tons which is a 10% increase from the previous year.
1.3 Statement of the Research Problem
The good potential of natural fibres as a suitable substitute for synthetic fibres in reinforced
composites is now in vogue. Synthetic fibres are non-biodegradable, expensive to process, and
require expatriates in handling equipments. A number of natural fibre advantages have been
identified; these include: low weight, environmental friendliness, non-toxicity, availability, low
cost, and non-requirement of technical know-how to obtain the fibres. However, its hydrophilic
nature which creates poor adhesion between the fibre and polymer matrix is one factor that has
limited its full utilization – hence the research problem. Fibre modification using chemical or
physical treatment has been developed as a way of remedy; although a number of these
treatments exist some are more compatible to certain fibers than others (Haque et al., 2010). It
would therefore be considered in this work the readily availability of the fibre of choice
(Bagasse) and polymer to be used for the production of this composite and to see how best or to
what extent the fibre–matrix interphase can be improved by carrying out various chemical
treatments on the fibre and observing its effect on the finished composite produced.
14
1.4 Research Aim and Objectives
Aim:
The aim of this study is to state the likely suitable chemical modification method for the variety
of bagasse fibre used as far as the four chemical used (acetic acid, acrylic acid, sodium
hydroxide, and potassium permanganate) is concerned.
Objectives:
i. To utilize waste sugarcane as a reinforcement in composite production.
ii. To evaluate the effect of different chemical treatments of the bagasse fibre by carrying
out SEM studies.
iii. To prepare the fibre-polymer reinforced composite using the hand lay-up technique and
study its mechanical properties.
iv. To evaluate its water absorption properties as a function of immersion time.
1.5 Justification
Although a hand full of research has been carried out on fibre reinforced composites from the
view of improving the hydophobicity of the fibre through fibre modification; this research used
four chemicals for its treatments as oppose to the usual one or two. The treatment ought to
improve adhesion, compatibility and interaction between the fibre and the polymer matrix.
Sugarcane is readily available hence the fibre is in abundance. This research is aimed at
15
exploring the possibilities and opportunities available for the use of Bagasse fibre – polymer
composite for use in place of ply woods in construction and other building applications.
Unsaturated polyester has been chosen as the polymer because of not just its availability but its
low cost and compatibility. In this part of the world the sugar industry is growing and a lot of
sugar cane stem from which Bagasse fibre is obtained is left as waste. The world is campaigning
for zero waste as much as possible. The idea is from “waste to wealth”.
1.6 Scope of the Study
The study is limited to the following areas:
i. Analysis of the physical properties of only Bagasse fibre after chemical treatments.
ii. FTIR analysis of the treated fibres.
iii. SEM studies of fibres and also of the produced composites.
iv. Analysis of the mechanical properties of the composite.

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