Extraction and characterization of Alfa fibers and their use to produce Alfa/wool woven fabrics for composite reinforcement

Abstract

Abstract Because of their appealing properties, such as biodegradability, high basic stiffness, low density, and low cost, natural fibers have begun to be used in a variety of applications. In comparison to synthetics, they are also reusable. The aim of this work is to develop new woven materials made of wool and Alfa fibers (Stipa-tenacissima). The extraction of Alfa fibers was achieved via alkaline treatment. The chemical composition, mechanical and physical properties of the extracted fibers were determined. Wovens were produced using the weaving of taffetas technique. This study presents a chemical, physical, morphological and mechanical characterization of Alfa/wool yarns and fabrics. The results show that the fabric made of fibers treated with 2 mol concentration of NaOH presents the greatest morphological structure and a higher degree of crystallinity due to the reorganization of the molecular chains that results in a better orientation of the fibers compared to other concentrations. On the other hand, the results of the tensile test show that the Young’s modulus of the Alfa/Alfa woven fabric is 8 ± 1.157 MPa in the weft direction, compared to the Alfa/wool woven fabric which has 6.06 ± 0.196 MPa and wool/wool woven fabric with 14.10 ± 1.369 MPa.