Performance of nylon 6 composites reinforced with modified agave fiber: Structural,morphological, and mechanical features

Nylon 6 (Ny6) composites reinforced with treated agave fiber (AF) at different concentrations (5–20 wt%) were achieved by melt mixing process at 250°C, without the addition of any compatibilizing or coupling agents, and characterized in terms of their structural, morphological, and mechanical properties. The alkaline-ultrasound (NaOH-U) treatment in AF resulted in the removal of the low thermal stability components (pectin and hemicellulose), concentrating the cellulose fraction, and favoring the crystallinity percentages (X_c) of the Ny/AF composites. Moreover, the interfacial interactions between functional groups of agave fiber and Ny6 resulted in the increase Young's modulus (18.8%), flexural strength (11.3%), and density (3.7%). These findings could be useful when looking for potential applications in the mobility industry.