Journal of Natural Fibers | 2019
Grafting ramie fiber with carbon nanotube and its effect on the mechanical and interfacial properties of ramie/epoxy composites
Abstract
ABSTRACT Multiwalled carbon nanotubes were grafted to ramie fiber through a silane coupling agent, and its effect on the mechanical and interfacial properties of ramie/epoxy composite was studied. The properties of the grafted fiber were compared with untreated, alkali-treated, and silane-treated fibers. The scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analyses revealed the grafted multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) particles on the ramie fiber. The mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties of the composite prepared by vacuum-assisted resin infusion process were significantly enhanced. The observed results suggest the interface was successfully modified by MWCNT, and the bonding between the fiber and epoxy matrix was enhanced significantly.