The effect of fibre chemical treatments on hemp reinforced composites

Glass or carbon fibres are traditionally used as reinforcement in engineering composites. The increasing ecological and environmental concerns have led to the use of natural fibres as renewable alternatives. Among them, hemp fibre offers the best mechanical properties as well as abundant availability. However, the hemp fibre, same as other natural fibres, has the issues of fiber/matrix bonding and moisture absorption. Hydrophilic nature of hemp fibre causes a weak bonding with hydrophobic polymers matrix and the property deterioration during service. Chemical treatments are needed to modify the surface of fibre, aiming at improving the adhesion with polymer matrix and reducing the hydrophilicity of the fibre. Alkalization, acetylation and the combination were used in this study to treat the hemp fibre. The effects of the chemical treatments on the fibre and the hemp fibre reinforced composites were investigated