Esterification Effect of Maleic Anhydride on Surface and Volume Resistivity of Natural Fiber/Polystyrene Composites

The natural fibers (banana, hemp and sisal) and polystyrene (PS) were taken for the preparation of natural fiber polymer composites in the different ratios of 40:60, 45:55, 50:50 and 55:45 (wt/wt), respectively. These fibers were esterified with maleic anhydride (MA) and the effect of esterification of maleic anhydride was studied on surface resistivity and volume resistivity of natural fiber/polystyrene composites. It was found that the untreated fibers composites show more surface resistivity and volume resistivity in comparison to maleic anhydride treated fibers composites. An untreated hemp fibers composite shows maximum surface and volume resistivity while maleic anhydride treated sisal fibers composites show minimum surface and volume resistivity.