Exploiting Plasma Exposed, Natural Surface Nanostructures in Ramie Fibers for Polymer Composite Applications

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Surface Science

Background:

• Nanoscale surface morphology of plant fibers is critical for interfacial bonding in fiber-polymer composites.
• Ramie plant fibers are a sustainable resource with potential in composite materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and quantify the effect of plasma-surface modification on ramie plant fibers.
• To understand how plasma treatment influences fiber surface nano-morphology and fiber-polymer interface interactions.

Main Methods:

• Low-Voltages Scanning Electron Microscopy (LV-SEM) for nano-morphology.
• Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) for chemical analysis.
• Fiber-resin angle measurements and mechanical (tensile) testing for interfacial properties.

Main Results:

• Plasma treatment alters the nanoscale surface morphology of ramie fibers, revealing microfibrils and elementary fibrils.
• Optimal fiber mechanical properties, wettability, and fiber-polymer matrix interlocking were observed at short plasma treatment durations.
• Surface modification favorably impacts fiber characteristics and interlocking for composite applications.

Conclusions:

• Plasma-surface modification is an effective method for enhancing ramie plant fiber characteristics.
• Optimized plasma treatment improves fiber-polymer matrix interlocking, benefiting composite performance.
• The study highlights the importance of nanoscale surface features for advanced composite materials.