Surface modification of hemp for improving mechanical performance of sustainable bio-material composites
Devalingam Santhosh Kumar, Rohith Gandi, Vansh Vandhe, Tanmay Bhattacharyya, Rajesh Kumar Prusty
Abstract. This study focuses on the surface modification of hemp fibres through alkali-based chemical treatment using sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). The influence of chemical treatments on the flexural, short beam shear, and thermo-mechanical behaviour of hemp fibre-reinforced epoxy composites was systematically investigated. The chemical treatment improved the interfacial adhesion between the fibre and the epoxy matrix, as later underscored by the enhanced flexural and short-beam shear performance. The flexural strength of composites fabricated using NaOH-treated, KOH-treated, and NaHCO3-treated hemp fibres is higher by ~4%, ~15%, and ~26%, respectively, than untreated hemp/epoxy composites. Similarly, the flexural modulus of composites fabricated using NaOH-treated, KOH-treated, and NaHCO3-treated hemp fibres increased by 16%, 18%, and ~32%, respectively. When compared to untreated hemp/epoxy, the interlaminar shear strength of composites fabricated using NaOH-treated, KOH-treated, and NaHCO3-treated hemp fibres was higher by ~12%, ~18%, and ~29%, respectively. Topography of the hemp fibre observed during scanning electron microscopy revealed rougher hemp fibres surfaces free of impurities. The FTIR analysis further confirmed the removal of hemi-cellulose.
Keywords
Hemp, Natural Fibre, Surface Treatment, Flexural, LSS
Published online 5/10/2026, 5 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Devalingam Santhosh Kumar, Rohith Gandi, Vansh Vandhe, Tanmay Bhattacharyya, Rajesh Kumar Prusty, Surface modification of hemp for improving mechanical performance of sustainable bio-material composites, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 65, pp 30-34, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644904138-5
The article was published as article 5 of the book Processing and Characterization of Materials
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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