Some Effect of Chemical Treatment by Ferric Nitrate Salts on the Structure and Morphology of Coir Fibre Composites

Abstract

The present study shows some important effects of chemical treatment on the structure and morphology of coir fibre. The objective of the present study is to optimise overall properties of coir fibre so as to use coir fibre as a reinforcing agent in thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers. In the present study, coir fibre is treated with ferric nitrate salt. A thermal treatment has been done at temperature of 1000˚C by using annealing method. X-ray diffraction of the treated coir fibre reveals the crystalline nature of the fibre. Change in morphology has been found in coir fibre when subjected to scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the Fourier transform and infrared spectrographs show the presence of traces of iron oxide:fibre in the prepared composite.