Characterization on chemical and mechanical properties of silane treated fish tail palm fibres

A novel cellulosic fibre was extracted from the peduncle portion of the fish tail palm tree and the extracted fish tail palm fibre was treated with different concentrations (1%, 5%, and 9%) of silane solution. The characteristic analysis on chemical, functional, mechanical and surface property of the extracted fish tail palm fibres were investigated through chemical composition analysis, Fourier Transform InfraRed spectroscopy (FT-IR), single fibre tensile test, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Chemical analysis results indicate that silane treatment improved the cellulose content of the fish tail palm fibre. The highest cellulose content of 72.51% was observed in the 9% silane treated fish tail palm fibre. Also, it improved crystallinity index value of 62.5% for 5% silane treated fibre, which is confirmed through the X-ray diffraction analysis. FT-IR result indicates the removal of hemicellulose at characteristic wavelength of 1745 cm⁻¹ for 5% silane treated fish tail palm fibre. Tensile property of the silane treated fish tail palm fibre (1, 5, and 9%) shows an increased tensile strength of 7.3%, 12%, and 6.6% as compared to raw fish tail palm fibre. Moreover, this type of novel natural fibres can reduce the cost while offering competent performance during the polymer-based product development.