Emerging Researchers National (ERN) Conference

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Moisture Absorption and Thermal Studies of Jute Fiber with/ without Chemical Treatments

Undergraduate #370
Discipline: Technology and Engineering
Subcategory: Materials Science

Chelsea Hicks - Albany State University
Co-Author(s): Shaik Zainuddin and Maria Navarro, Tuskegee University, Tuskegee, AL


Moisture absorption and thermal studies of jute fiber with/ without chemical treatments was investigated. If the fibers can retain water, then they will be for better use of biodegradable materials. Chemical treatments on the fiber can be done in order to increase the fiber moisture resistance properties and also to improve the fiber matrix adhesion. Alkali and Silane treatments were done on jute fiber. Nine samples of untreated and treated jute fiber were immersed on distilled water at 19°C – 23°C for 33 days. Moisture absorption studies was performed for 33 days. TGA tests were performed for untreated and treated jute fiber before and after water intake. Before chemical treatment, jute fibers were washed with distilled water. Alkaline and silane chemical treatments were performed on jute fibers. Nine samples of jute fiber untreated, nine samples of jute fiber with alkaline treatment and nine samples of jute fiber with alkaline/silane treatment were immersed in distilled water for 33 days. The specimens were withdrawn for water every 3 days, wiped dry with a tissue to remove surface moisture and then weighed using an electronic balance accurate to 10^-4g to monitor the mass during the aging process. Jute fiber samples with no treatment showed less moisture absorption percent compared to the alkaline and alkaline/silane jute fiber samples. TGA curves of jute fibers samples before water uptake did not show significant change in the decomposition temperature between untreated and treated fibers. TGA curves of jute fibers after being immersed on distilled water for 33 days showed an increment in the decomposition temperature.

Funder Acknowledgement(s): NSF Grant No. DMR-1358998 and Tuskegee University MSE-REU

Faculty Advisor: Shaik Zainuddin, szainuddin@mytu.tuskegee.edu

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under Grant No. DUE-1930047. Any opinions, findings, interpretations, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of its authors and do not represent the views of the AAAS Board of Directors, the Council of AAAS, AAAS’ membership or the National Science Foundation.