Effect of fiber modification with a novel compatibilizer on the mechanical properties and water absorption of hemp‐fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester composites

Hemp‐fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites were prepared by compression molding. The treatment of hemp fibers with N‐methylol acrylamide (NMA) and sulfuric acid as a catalyst significantly increased tensile strength, flexural modulus of rupture and flexural modulus of elasticity, and water resistance of the resulting hemp–UPE composites. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra revealed that some NMA was covalently bonded to hemp fibers. Scanning electronic microscopy graphs of the fractured hemp–UPE composites revealed that treatment of hemp fibers with NMA greatly improved the interfacial adhesion between hemp fibers and UPE. The chemical reactions between hemp fibers and NMA as well as the mechanism of improving the interfacial adhesion were proposed and discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Effects of Surface Treatments on Mechanical Properties and Water Resistance of Kenaf Fiber-Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites

Abstract

Effects of surface treatments on the strength and water resistance of kenaf fiber-reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites were investigated. A new coupling agent that consists of 1,6-diisocyanato-hexane (DIH) and 2-hydroxylethyl acrylate (HEA) was investigated for surface treatments of kenaf fibers. The surface treatments were found to significantly enhance the tensile strength, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and water resistance of the resulting kenaf–UPE composites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that DIH-HEA was covalently bonded onto kenaf fibers. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the composites revealed that chemical treatment of kenaf fibers with a combination of DIH and HEA improved the interfacial adhesion between kenaf fibers and UPE resin in the DIH–HEA-treated kenaf–UPE composites. The mechanisms by which the chemical treatment of kenaf fiber surfaces improved strength and water resistance of the resulting kenaf–UPE composites were discussed.     

Effects of fiber extraction,morphology, and surface modification on the mechanical properties and water absorption of bamboo fibers‐unsaturated polyester composites

Bamboo fibers reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites were prepared by compression molding. Effects of fiber extraction, morphology, and chemical modification on the mechanical properties and water absorption of the bamboo fibers‐UPE composites were investigated. Results showed that the unidirectional original bamboo fibers resulting composites demonstrated the highest tensile strength, flexural strength, and flexural modulus; the 30–40 mesh bamboo particles resulting composites had the lowest tensile strength and flexural strength, but had comparable flexural modulus with that of chemical pulp fibers. The treatment of bamboo fibers with 1,6‐diisocyanatohexane (DIH) and 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) significantly increased the tensile strength, flexural strength and flexural modulus, and water resistance of the resulting composites. Fourier Transform Infrared and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses showed that DIH and HEA were covalently bonded onto bamboo fibers. Scanning electron microscopic images of the fractured surfaces of the composites showed that the treatment of bamboo fibers greatly improved the interfacial adhesion between the fibers and UPE resins. The water absorption kinetics of the composites was also investigated; and the results showed that the water absorption of the composites fitted Fickian behavior well. POLYM. COMPOS., 37:1612–1619, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Long‐term water uptake behavior of lignocellulosic‐high density polyethylene composites

Composites of different lignocellulosic materials and high‐density polyethylene were prepared and their long‐term water absorption behaviors were studied. Wood flour, rice hulls, newsprint fibers, and kenaf fibers were mixed with the polymer at 25 and 50 wt % fiber contents and 1 and 2% compatibilizer, respectively. Water absorption tests were carried out on injection‐molded specimens at room temperature for five weeks. Results indicated a significant difference among different natural fibers with kenaf fibers and newsprint fibers exhibiting the highest and wood flour and rice hulls the lowest water absorption values, respectively. Very little difference was observed between kenaf fiber and newsprint composites and between rice hulls and wood flour composites regarding their water uptake behavior. The difference between 25 and 50% fiber contents for all composite formulations increased at longer immersion times, especially for the composites with higher water absorption. Kenaf fiber composites containing 50% kenaf fibers exhibited the highest water diffusion coefficient. A strong correlation was found between the water absorption and holocellulose content of the composites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 3907–3911, 2006     

Hemp‐fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester composites: Optimization of processing and improvement of interfacial adhesion

The processing variables for making hemp‐fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites were optimized through orthogonal experiments. It was found that the usage of initiator, methyl ethyl ketone peroxide, had the most significant effect on the tensile strength of the composites. The treatment of hemp fibers with a combination of 1,6‐diisocyanatohexane (DIH) and 2‐hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA) significantly increased tensile strength, flexural modulus of rupture, and flexural modulus of elasticity, and water resistance of the resulting hemp‐UPE composites. FTIR spectra revealed that DIH and HEA were covalently bonded to hemp fibers. Scanning electron microscopy graphs of the fractured hemp‐UPE composites demonstrated that treatment of hemp fibers with a combination of DIH and HEA greatly improved the interfacial adhesion between hemp fibers and UPE. The mechanism of improving the interfacial adhesion is proposed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate)‐based biocomposites reinforced with kenaf fibers

Biodegradable thermoplastic‐based composites reinforced with kenaf fibers were prepared and characterized. Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), produced by bacterial fermentation, was selected as polymeric matrix. To improve PHBV/fibers adhesion, low amount of a proper compatibilizing agent, obtained by grafting maleic anhydride onto PHBV, was added during matrix/fibers melt mixing (reactive blending). When compared with uncompatibilized composites, the presence of the compatibilizer induces a stronger interfacial adhesion and a more pronounced improvement of the mechanical properties. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007     

Effects of Kenaf core on properties of poly(lactic acid) bio‐composite

In this study, biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/Kenaf core composites with different amount of Kenaf core were prepared using screw extrusion. The Structure, thermal stability, mechanical properties, and biodegradation of bio‐composites are evaluated. FTIR result shows the possible interaction between the Ken core and PLA matrix. The FESEM result showed that Kenaf core was uniformly disperse in PLA matrix. Tensile and flexural strength of PLA was improved Up to the 30%vol of kenaf core content. Young's modulus and hardness properties were improved by adding kenaf core into PLA matrix. Bio‐composite density has been decreased by adding more kenaf core and water absorption of the compound was increased linear. High Kenaf core content was also found to increase the rate of biodegradability of PLA/kenaf core. It can be proven by exposure of the samples to the environment and weight loss in soil burial analysis. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1220–1227, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Kenaf‐bast‐fiber‐filled biodegradable poly(butylene succinate) composites: Effects of fiber loading,fiber length,and maleated poly(butylene succinate) on the flexural and impact properties

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) filled kenaf bast fiber (KBF) composites were fabricated via compression molding. The effects of KBF loading on the flexural and impact properties of the composites were investigated for fiber loadings of 10–40 wt %. The optimum flexural strength of the composites was achieved at 30 wt % fiber loading. However, the flexural modulus of the composites kept increasing with increasing fiber loading. Increasing the fiber loading led to a drop in the impact strength of about 57.5–73.6%; this was due to the stiff nature of the KBF. The effect of the fiber length (5, 10, 15, and 20 mm) on the flexural and impact properties was investigated for the 30 wt % KBF loaded composites. The composites with 10‐mm KBF showed the highest flexural and impact properties in comparison to the others. The inferior flexural and impact strength of the composites with 15‐ and 20‐mm KBF could be attributed to the relatively longer fibers that underwent fiber attrition during compounding, which consequently led to the deterioration of the fiber. This was proven by analyses of the fiber length, diameter, and aspect ratio. The addition of maleated PBS as a compatibilizer resulted in the enhancement of the composite's flexural and impact properties due to the formation of better fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion. This was proven by scanning electron microscopy observations of the composites' fracture surfaces. The removal of unreacted maleic anhydride and dicumyl peroxide residuals from the compatibilizers led to better fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion and a slightly enhanced composite strength. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Synthesis and physicochemical study of bisphenol‐C‐formaldehyde‐toluene diisocyanate polyurethane–jute and jute–rice husk/wheat husk composites

Bisphenol‐C‐formaldehyde‐toluene‐2,4‐di isocyanate polyurethane (PU) has been synthesized at room temperature and used for the fabrication of jute and jute–rice husk/wheat husk hybrid composites. PU–jute and PU–jute–RH/WH composites were prepared under pressure of 30.4 MPa at room temperature for 8 h, while PU–jute–RH/WH composites were prepared under same pressure at 110°C for 5 h. PU–jute composite has good tensile strength and flexural strength (50–53 MPa), while PU–jute–RH/WH hybrid composites have moderate tensile strength (9–11 MPa) and a fairly good flexural strength (15–31 MPa). Composites possess 1.1–2.2 kV electric strength and 0.94–1.26 × 10¹² ohm cm volume resistivity. Water absorption in PU–jute composite is different in water (9.75%), 10% HCl (12.14%), and 10% NaCl (6.05%). Equilibrium water uptake time in salt environment is observed 96 h, while in pure water and acidic environments it is 192 h. In boiling water equilibrium water content and equilibrium time are found to be 21.7% and 3 h, respectively. Water absorption increased 2.2 times in boiling water, whereas equilibrium time reduced 64 times. Thus, PU–jute composite has excellent hydrolytic stability against boiling water, 10% HCl, and 10% NaCl solutions. Fairly good mechanical and electrical properties and excellent hydrolytic stability of composites signify their usefulness for low cost housing units and in electrical and marine industries. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 2363–2370, 2006     

Effects of kenaf contents and fiber orientation on physical,mechanical, and morphological properties of hybrid laminated composites for vehicle spall liners

The aim of this work is to study the effect of kenaf volume content and fiber orientation on tensile and flexural properties of kenaf/Kevlar hybrid composites. Hybrid composites were prepared by laminating aramid fabric (Kevlar 29) with kenaf in three orientations (woven, 0^o/90^o cross ply uni‐directional (UD), and non‐woven mat) with different kenaf fiber loadings from 15 to 20% and total fiber loading (Kenaf and Kevlar) of 27–49%. The void content varies between 11.5–37.7% to laminate with UD and non‐woven mat, respectively. The void content in a woven kenaf structure is 16.2%. Tensile and flexural properties of kenaf/Kevlar hybrid composites were evaluated. Results indicate that UD kenaf fibers reinforced composites display better tensile and flexural properties as compared to woven and non‐woven mat reinforced hybrid composites. It is also noticed that increasing volume fraction of kenaf fiber in hybrid composites reduces tensile and flexural properties. Tensile fracture of hybrid composites was morphologically analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM micrographs of Kevlar composite failed in two major modes; fiber fracture by the typical splitting process along with, extensive longitudinal matrix and interfacial shear fracture. UD kenaf structure observed a good interlayer bonding and low matrix cracking/debonding. Damage in composite with woven kenaf shows weak kenaf‐matrix bonding. Composite with kenaf mat contains the high void in laminates and poor interfacial bonding. These results motivate us to further study the potential of using kenaf in woven and UD structure in hybrid composites to improve the ballistic application, for example, vehicle spall‐liner. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1469–1476, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Water absorption and dimensional stability of short kenaf fiber‐filled polypropylene composites treated with maleated polypropylene

The purpose of this research was to investigate the water absorption behavior and associated dimensional stability of kenaf‐polypropylene‐filled (PP/KF) composites. Composites with different fiber loadings, ranging from 0 to 40 wt %, were prepared with a twin‐screw extruder followed by hot press molding. The influence of the compatibilizer was also studied for PP/KF composite with 5 wt % maleated PP (MAPP). Water absorption testing was carried out at room temperature for 7 weeks. Tensile, flexural, and impact tests were also performed on control, wet, and re‐dried specimens. Increasing the fiber content resulted in higher water absorption and thickness swelling. The inferior mechanical properties of the wet composites were attributed to the effect of water, which deteriorates the interfacial properties of composites. On re‐drying, all properties were almost recovered because of the recovery of interfacial area as evident in scanning electron micrographs. Incorporation of the MAPP significantly improved the compatibility between the fiber and matrix and the mechanical properties of the composites compared with those without MAPP. It also diminished the water absorption as well as the related thickness swelling in the composites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Morphological,mechanical, and physical properties of composites made with wood flour‐reinforced polypropylene/recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) blends

Wood flour (WF)‐filled composites based on a polypropylene (PP)/recycled polyethylene terephthalate (r‐PET) matrix were prepared using two‐step extrusion. Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was added to improve the compatibility between polymer matrices and WF. The effects of filler and MAPP compatibilization on the water absorption, mechanical properties, and morphological features of PP/r‐PET/WF composites were investigated. The addition of MAPP significantly improved mechanical properties such as tensile strength, flexural strength, tensile modulus, and flexural modulus compared with uncompatibilized composites, but decreased elongation at break. Scanning electron microscopic images of fracture surface specimens revealed better interfacial interaction between WF and polymer matrix for MAPP‐compatibilized PP/r‐PET/WF composites. MAPP‐compatibilized PP/r‐PET/WF composites also showed reduced water absorption due to improved interfacial bonding, which limited the amount of absorbable water molecules. These results indicated that MAPP acts as an effective compatibilizer in PP/r‐PET/WF composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1749–1755, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Recycling of polypropylene‐based eco‐composites

BACKGROUND: Renewable resources and recyclable thermoplastic polymers provide an attractive eco‐friendly quality as well as environmental sustainability to the resulting natural fibre‐reinforced composites. The properties of polypropylene (PP)‐based composites reinforced with rice hulls or kenaf fibres were investigated with respect to their recyclability. Rice hulls from rice processing plants and natural lignocellulosic kenaf fibres from the bast of the plant Hibiscus cannabinus represent renewable sources that could be utilized for composites. Maleic anhydride‐grafted PP was used as a coupling agent to improve the interfacial adhesion between fillers and matrix. Composites containing 30 wt% reinforcement were manufactured by melt mixing and their mechanical and thermal properties were determined. The composites were then pelletized and reprocessed by melt mixing. Finally, structure/properties relationships were investigated as a function of the number of reprocessing cycles. RESULTS: It is found that the recycling processes do not induce very significant changes in flexural strength and thermal stability of the composites. In particular PP‐based composites reinforced with kenaf fibres are less sensitive to reprocessing cycles with respect to PP‐based composites reinforced with rice hulls. CONCLUSION: The response of PP‐based composites reinforced with rice hulls or kenaf fibres is promising since their properties remain almost unchanged after recycling processes. Moreover, the recycled composites are suitable for applications as construction materials for indoor applications. In fact, the flexural strength and modulus of these materials are comparable to those of conventional formaldehyde wood medium‐density fibreboards. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry     

The effect of hybridization on mechanical properties of woven kenaf fiber reinforced polyoxymethylene composite

The challenges of using natural fibers in polymer composites include high moisture uptake and poor interfacial bonding with thermoplastic matrix. In this study, the effect of hybridization was investigated to address the challenges of high moisture uptake and balanced mechanical properties in natural fiber reinforced polymer composites. Polyethylene terephthalate fiber (PET) was used in woven kenaf reinforced POM due to its hydrophobic characteristics. The results of tensile test showed that the tensile strength of the interwoven POM/kenaf/PET hybrid composite when tested along kenaf fiber direction, increased from 72 to 85 MPa due to increase in fiber content. Similarly, the tensile strength of the interwoven POM/kenaf/PET hybrid composite increased from 67 to 75 MPa. However, the flexural strength of the interwoven POM/kenaf/PET hybrid composite dropped from 160.1 to 104.9 MPa while that of woven POM/kenaf composite dropped from 191.4 to 90.3 MPa. The interwoven hybrid composite also showed significant improvement in impact strength compared to the woven POM/kenaf composite. The water absorption of the woven POM/kenaf composite dropped by approximately 30% due to hybridization with PET fiber. The results confirmed that hybridization with PET fiber significantly improved the tensile and impact properties of the woven composite and increased its resistance to moisture uptake. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1900–1910, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Electrical and mechanical properties of melamine‐formaldehyde–based laminates with shungite filler

Processing issues and the electrical and mechanical properties of a novel combination of a natural carbonaceous filler, Karelian shungite, and a water soluble thermosetting polymer, melamine‐formaldehyde, were investigated. Two types of shungite with different carbon contents were investigated and compared to a commercial carbon black. The larger particle size and chemically more active surface of the shungites compared to carbon black leads to easy handling with little dusting and allows water to be used as dispersant. Laminates of melamine‐formaldehyde reinforced with random cellulose fibers and filler were prepared by film stacking. The layered structure results in anisotropic resistivities for the shungites with fairly low in‐plane percolation thresholds and a dissipative resistivity above the percolation transition. In comparison, carbon black had a lower percolation threshold and a low isotropic resistivity above the percolation transition. The mechanical properties of the composites were slightly deteriorated by all three fillers, indicating poor interfacial adhesion. The results of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements are interpreted as indicating hydrogen bonding and thus relatively weak adhesion between filler and polymer. Aqueous mixtures of melamine‐formaldehyde and shungite filler had lower viscosities than corresponding melamine‐formaldehyde and carbon black filler mixtures. POLYM. COMPOS., 26:552–562, 2005. © 2005 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Physical and mechanical properties of kenaf/flax hybrid composites

This research investigates the physical and mechanical properties of hybrid composites made of epoxy reinforced by kenaf and flax natural fibers to investigate the hybridization influences of the composites. Pure and hybrid composites were fabricated using bi-directional kenaf and flax fabrics at different stacking sequences utilizing the vacuum-assisted resin infusion method. The pure and hybrid composites' physical properties, such as density, fiber volume fraction (FVF), water absorption capacity, and dimensional stability, were measured. The tests of tensile, flexural, interlaminar shear and fracture toughness (Mode II) were examined to determine the mechanical properties. The results revealed that density remained unchanged for the hybrid compared to pure kenaf/epoxy composites. The tensile, flexural, and interlaminar shear performance of flax/epoxy composite is improved by an increment of kenaf FVF in hybrid composites. The stacking sequence significantly affected the mechanical properties of hybrid composites. The highest tensile strength (59.8 MPa) was obtained for FK2 (alternative sequence of flax and kenaf fibers). However, FK3 (flax fiber located on the outer surfaces) had the highest interlaminar shear strength (12.5 MPa) and fracture toughness (3302.3 J/m²) among all tested hybrid composites. The highest water resistance was achieved for FK5 with the lowest thickness swelling.     

Chemical treatment of wood fiber and its reinforced unsaturated polyester composites

In order to enhance the interfacial adhesion between wood fiber and an unsaturated polyester matrix (UPE), acrylic acid (acrylic acid)/poly(methyl methacrylate), and (acrylic acid)/silanization (AAS) were used to treat the wood fibers. The mechanical properties and the impact fracture surfaces of the prepared composites were measured and characterized, and the fracture mechanism of these kinds of composites was analyzed. The results showed that the AAS composites possessed the optimum comprehensive mechanical properties. When the weight fraction of wood fiber was 16%, the flexural strength and flexural modulus of the AAS composites were increased by 28.9 and 51.8%, respectively, compared to those of untreated composites. The highest tensile strength and lowest water absorption were also noted for AAS composites. These composites possessed the strongest interfacial adhesion between wood fiber and the UPE matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 19:18–24, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Jute‐fiber‐reinforced polyurethane green composites based on Mesua ferrea L. seed oil

Two types of environmentally friendly jute‐fiber‐reinforced green composites based on Mesua ferrea L. were prepared with poly(urethane ester) and poly(urethane amide) resin blends with commercially available partially butylated melamine–formaldehyde and epoxy resins through solution impregnation and hot‐curing methods. The composites were cured at a temperature of about 130–140°C under a pressure of 35 ± 5 kg/cm² for about 2 h. The mechanical properties, such as tensile strength, flexural strength, elongation at break, hardness, and density, of all of the composites were measured and compared. The mode of interaction between the filler and the matrix were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy of the fractured composite samples. The water uptake in different chemical media was observed, and we found that all of the composites possessed excellent hydrolytic stability against almost all of the media except the alkali. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to analyze the thermal behavior of the composites. TGA of the composites showed degradation much above that of the virgin blends, which indicated their high thermostability. The glass‐transition temperatures, as shown by DSC analysis, were found to be much higher. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Biodegradable biocomposites from poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) and miscanthus: Preparation,compatibilization, and performance evaluation

Miscanthus fibers reinforced biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) matrix‐based biocomposites were produced by melt processing. The performances of the produced PBAT/miscanthus composites were evaluated by means of mechanical, thermal, and morphological analysis. Compared to neat PBAT, the flexural strength, flexural modulus, storage modulus, and tensile modulus were increased after the addition of miscanthus fibers into the PBAT matrix. These improvements were attributed to the strong reinforcing effect of miscanthus fibers. The polarity difference between the PBAT matrix and the miscanthus fibers leads to weak interaction between the phases in the resulting composites. This weak interaction was evidenced in the impact strength and tensile strength of the uncompatibilized PBAT composites. Therefore, maleic anhydride (MAH)‐grafted PBAT was prepared as compatibilizer by melt free radical grafting reaction. The MAH grafting on the PBAT was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The interfacial bonding between the miscanthus fibers and PBAT was improved with the addition of 5 wt % of MAH‐grafted PBAT (MAH‐g‐PBAT) compatibilizer. The improved interaction between the PBAT and the miscanthus fiber was corroborated with mechanical and morphological properties. The compatibilized PBAT composite with 40 wt % miscanthus fibers exhibited an average heat deflection temperature of 81 °C, notched Izod impact strength of 184 J/m, tensile strength of 19.4 MPa, and flexural strength of 22 MPa. From the scanning electron microscopy analysis, better interaction between the components can be observed in the compatibilized composites, which contribute to enhanced mechanical properties. Overall, the addition of miscanthus fibers into a PBAT matrix showed a significant benefit in terms of economic competitiveness and functional performances. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45448.     

The Properties of Woven Kenaf and Betel Palm (Areca catechu) Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites

The use of woven betel palm and kenaf lignocellulosic fibers as a reinforcing phase in unsaturated polyester was reported. The morphology, physical properties, and mechanical properties of the natural fibers and resulting woven composites were evaluated. Kenaf fibers exhibit higher tensile properties than betel palm fibers due to the higher amount of cellulose content. From the morphology observation, it is found that the alkaline treatment of the fibers effectively clean the fiber surface and increase the fiber surface roughness. Comparison between treated and untreated woven betel palm and kenaf composites at 7 vol% of fiber content was carried out. Interestingly, untreated woven kenaf composites exhibit comparable flexural strength with those of untreated woven betel palm composites. However, untreated kenaf composites exhibit superior flexural modulus to those of betel palm composites. In general, mechanical properties of the woven composites made from alkali-treated fibers were superior to the untreated fibers.