Modification of the fibre surface for the optimisation of mechanical properties in natural-fibre reinforced polymers

The surface properties of henequen fibres were studied as a function of the concentration of a organosilane coupling-agent in order to optimise its mechanical properties. The role of the coupling agent on the fibre free-surface energy was assessed using IGC. It was found that the organosilane decreases the dispersive and specific free surface energies and modifies the ratio between acidic and basic sites. It was also seen that mechanical properties such as the tensile and shear show a maximum value closely related to the silane adsorption isotherm. However, these mechanical properties drop at higher silane concentrations. © 2009 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.