Enhancing Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Epoxy Composites Reinforced with Plasma-Treated Sisal and Pineapple Leaf Fibers

Abstract The aim of this study was to examine the properties of epoxy composites that have sisal fiber (SF) and pineapple leaf (PF) reinforcements. Using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma for different periods ranging from 3 to 15 minutes, both fibers were treated. A combination of epoxy resin (EP), SF, or PF was prepared with or without plasma treatment. Fibers treated with plasma had a higher peak intensity of carboxyl groups in their Fourier-transform infrared spectra. A maximum tensile strength (TS) (up to 62.26 MPa) was observed in EP/SF treated for 15 minutes, but a more notable increase in elongation break (EB) (6.89 %) was observed in EP/PF treated for the same amount of time. In comparison to the sisal composites, the flexural strength (FS) of the pineapple leaf composites was found to be up to 63.2 MPa after plasma treatment. Both composites’ interfacial bonding and fiber surface roughness were enhanced by the plasma treatment. Following treatment with DBD plasma, both the wettability and thermal stability were enhanced. Composites’ mechanical, thermal, and wettability properties were improved by DBD of plasma treated surfaces, which increased interfacial bonding among the fibers and the epoxy.