Insight into the Effects of Solvent Treatment of Natural Fibers Prior to Structural Composite Casting: Chemical, Physical and Mechanical Evaluation

This paper presents an optimized washing protocol for as-received natural fibers, prior to large-scale composite manufacturing, the structural strengthening of historic masonry. The aim was achieve a simple standard cleaning fiber surfaces from low molecular weight constituents that may be detrimental towards interfacial strength without damaging fibers. proposed procedure employs application solvent sequence: ethanol, acetone, hexane, with incubation times and stirring conditions. Additionally, this change surface fiber, thereby enhancing durability fiber-matrix interface. resulted in increase tensile by 56%, 52% 22% flax, hemp sisal respectively, as compared corresponding non-washed loss elongation. static contact angle measurements confirmed exposure higher fraction hydrophilic crystalline cellulose, wettability observed after protocols.