Effect of chemical treatments on physical and mechanical characteristics of Helicteres isora natural fiber

The current study deals with the effect of chemical surface treatments on the physical and mechanical properties of a scarcely explored natural cellulosic fiber, Helicteres isora. Three different chemicals, namely 5% Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH), 0.5% Potassium Permanganate (PP), and 5% Hydrogen Peroxide (HP) were used for surface treatments of the fibers. As per the ASTM standards, the fibers were characterized for density (ASTM3800), tensile properties (ASTM D3822) and water uptake ability by simple immersion method. The organic and inorganic groups of the fiber were evaluated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which revealed that the excess Hemicellulose, Lignin and Waxes were removed upon chemical treatments. The results indicate that Permanganate treated fiber has shown better physical properties than untreated and other treated fibers, whereas the untreated fiber has better tensile strength than the treated fibers, and the NaOH-treated fiber has the highest tensile modulus. These findings suggest that Helicteres isora natural fiber has the potential to be used as a reinforcement in composite materials after appropriate chemical treatments.