Enhancement of the Dynamic Mechanical and Dielectric Properties of Prosopis juliflora Fiber-Reinforced Composites by Fiber Modification

The utilization of the plant-based fiber-reinforced composites is being increased in recent days. The plant-based fiber used in the present study was extracted from the Prosopis juliflora plant. Alkali treatment effects of the fiber-reinforced composites on the static and dynamic mechanical and dielectric properties were investigated and compared with the untreated fiber-reinforced composites in the current work. Tests like static and dynamic mechanical, dielectrical, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were carried out on both treated and untreated composite specimens. The temperature was varied from 25°C to a maximum temperature of 180°C to investigate the dynamic mechanical properties at a constant frequency of 2 Hz. Dielectric properties were also analyzed using impedance analyzer and compared the results of both treated and untreated composites. Characterization techniques like SEM, TGA, and XRD were carried out on both the treated and untreated composite specimens to probe the bonding and crystallinity among the composites. The results of SEM and XRD showed that the bonding and crystallinity improved with the fiber treatment such that the thermal stability also improved. The improved properties of the composite samples extend the applications in the field of automotive, packaging, construction, etc.