Characterisation of fibre surface treatments in natural fibre composites by infrared and raman spectroscopy

Abstract

The use of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR ) and Raman spectroscopies in the characterization of modified natural fibres and polymer interfaces in composite materials is reviewed. The changes in composition of the fibers owing to leakage of original components and/or incorporation of various species attached or adsorbed on the fiber surfaces, changes of morphology, as well as physical and chemical bonds developed at the polymer composite interfaces have been successfully characterized by these spectroscopic techniques. The potential and complementary use of these techniques is also discussed.