Effects of Surface Modification on the Mechanical Properties and Water Absorbtion of Raphia farinifera (Raphia Fibre)

The effect of surface modification on the mechanical properties and water absorption of Raphia farinifera (raphia fibre) were examined. The fibre was treated with 2% benzoyl peroxide in acetone, 10% potassium hydroxide, 25% hydrogen peroxide and 1% potassium permanganate in one hour. The mechanical properties; tensile strength, load at break, modulus and water absorption properties were investigated and results compared with control (untreated fibre). The results of the mechanical properties showed that the tensile strength of the fibre (Raphia farinifera) improved from 50.1142MPa for the untreated fibre to 132.3482MPa for potassium hydroxide treatment and 146.0181MPa for hydrogen peroxide treatment. Benzoyl peroxide treatment showed superior load at break value (25.5617N) over the untreated fibre (14.7847N). The results of water absorption showed that the treatment of the fibre reduced the hydrophilic nature of this fibre. However, benzoyl peroxide treatment showed highest reduction in water absorption capacity of the fibre followed by potassium hydroxide treatment.