Sorption Isotherms of Natural and Chemically Modified Biofiber

摘要

Biofiber-based composites are emerging as an alternative to synthetic fiber reinforced composites in different kinds of products and applications due to some advantages such as low density, low abrasive behaviour, good thermal insulation and biodegradability of the biofibers. However their sensitivity to thermal degradation and hygroscopic property as well as incompatibility with polymers is restrictive. Therefore, more knowledge on their hygroscopic behaviour could be helpful in appropriate employment of biofibers in polymeric matrices and manufacturing biocomposites. The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of chemical pretreatments (mercerization, silinization and bleaching) and environmental conditions (temperature and relativehumidity (RH)) on water sorption isotherms of flax fiber. Finally, empirical and mathematical models are to be employed to model adsorption and desorption equilibrium isotherms of the materials.