Fiber Surface Treatments for Lightweight PA6 Composites

Natural fiber-reinforced composites (NFRC) have gained significant attention due to their eco-friendliness, affordability, and excellent mechanical properties. However, inadequate interfacial bonding between the fiber and the polymer matrix often results in inferior mechanical and thermal properties. Various surface treatments, including alkali, silane, and plasma treatments, have been developed to address this issue by modifying the fiber surface. These treatments have been shown to improve the interfacial bonding, leading to enhanced mechanical strength and thermal stability of natural fiber-reinforced PA6 composites (NFRC-PA6). In this study, we applied these surface treatments and evaluated their impact through mechanical and thermal testing. The results indicate significant improvements in the composites' properties, although challenges such as optimizing treatment parameters and ensuring uniformity persist. Future research should focus on overcoming these challenges and exploring innovative treatments to further advance the application of NFRC-PA6 composites.