A load applying chemical treatment method is proposed for the purpose of improving mechanical properties of natural fibers. A loading machine for natural mono-filaments was newly developed, and alkali treatment by NaOH solution on glass plates attached to the machine was carried out for kenaf and ramie hemp mono-filaments during loading. The results showed that kenaf and ramie fibers were improved in tensile strength, approximately 4% to 18% higher than untreated fibers. While both the Young's moduli decreased, fracture strains increased to 0.05 to 0.08, i.e. twice to four times higher than those of untreated fibers.
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