Polymer modified grass fiber,part 1: Characterization of grass fiber and assessment of properties of polymer modified fiber

Natural fibers are used for reinforcement of ecofriendly green composites. These grass fibers have wide range of applications for the preparation of various domestic goods and handicraft items. But the chemical composition of the grass fiber has not been reported; therefore composition analysis of grass fiber was carried out. Morphology of the dry grass was studied by using scanning electron microscopy. Since the grass fiber contains around 22% water‐soluble matters, we have studied its influence on the tensile strength and aging characteristics. The tensile strength of the grass fiber was measured before and after water leaching. This study has shown a definite scope for the suitability of grass fiber in composite applications. To improve the strength of grass fiber, modification with various polymers such as P‐F resin, polyurethane and acrylamide was carried out. Moisture absorption property of unleached, water‐leached and different polymer modified fiber was also evaluated. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1095–1103, 2007