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Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of chemical modifications on the properties of Cissus populnea fibers. The method involve chemical treatments of C. populnea fibers using sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA). Microstructural behavior (scanning electron microscope ‘SEM’ and Fourier transform infrared ‘FTIR’ analysis), mechanical properties (tensile strength, modulus, elongation and energy at break), the physical properties (aspect ratio, density and water absorption) were determined and compared with untreated Cissus populnea fibers. SEM topography and FTIR spectra, respectively, revealed the change in morphology and structure after treatments which resulted to increase in tensile properties of Cissus populnea fibers. The treatment increased the aspect ratio with reduced density and water absorption capacity of Cissus populnea fibers. EDTA treatment increased the tensile strength of Cissus populnea fibers by 250.86 %.Hence,EDTA is superior as surface modification for improving tensile strength and hydrophobic nature of Cissus populnea fibers.