X-ray diffraction and thermo gravimetric analysis of surface modified areca sheath fibre epoxy composites

Focus of the current study is to shed more light on thermal behaviour of composites made up of areca sheath fibres. The XRD analysis revealed that crystallinity index and crystallinity percentage increased with different treatments, as it leads to better interaction of fibre and resin. The crystallinity percentage of alkali treated fibre and benzoyl peroxide treated fibre increased by 5.87 and 8.44% respectively compared to untreated fibre. This was further evident in thermal studies which proved better thermal stability in benzoyl peroxide treated fibre composite.