Characterization of Bio-Composite Material Based on Alkali-Sisal Fibers: An Experimental Study

This work aims to valorize natural and local resources. Hence, a chemical treatment on the sisal fibers may present a solution to limit its degradation in the long term and to improve the mechanical characteristics of the fibers. The goal of this paper is to study the chemical treatment effect on the mechanical proprieties of the sisal fibers and the effect of the mass fraction on the flexure strength of the plaster reinforced by sisal fibers. The chemical treatment was carried out by sodium hydroxide (NaOH), with several concentrations (1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%) during different time intervals (1 h, 2 h, 3 h, 4 h, and 5 h). The sisal fibers were characterized mechanically (before and after the treatment). A traction test was done to determine the most important characteristics (tensile strength). However, in the characterization of the bio-composite material, we prepare the composite material (plaster/sisal fibers) in a mold (40 × 40 × 160 mm) in the aim to study the bending strength. Results show that the combination of a 3% concentration of alkaline solution treated in 3 h is the optimal combination with an increase of 391.2% compared to the untreated fiber. Regarding the mechanical and physical properties, there is a great improvement in bending strength, density, and absorptive capacity.