Eucalyptus Kraft pulp fibers as an alternative reinforcement of silicone composites. I. Characterization and chemical modification of Eucalyptus fibers with organosilane coupling agent

In this study, bleached Eucalyptus fibers obtained by a Kraft pulping process were characterized prior to and after chemical modification with a silane coupling agent, vinyltriethoxysilane, for use as an alternative additive in composites based on silicone. The presence of a silane coating on the fiber surface was observed by infrared, energy dispersive, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopies. The morphology of the fibers was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The untreated fibers were ribbon‐shaped and had a rough surface, due to the presence of fibrils. The coating reaction conducted in ethanol gave rise to loose fibrils and a more rough surface compared with those of untreated fibers. A smoother surface was observed when fibers were modified in tetrahydrofuran. The surface topography of the fibers was also examined by atomic force microscopy. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 2573–2579, 2002