The surface of nano-kenaf containing cellulose fibers was treated with alkali (NaOH) and their effects on the physical properties of the polypropylene (PP) composite were investigated. The treatment of alkali on the fibers increased the melt flow index (M.I.), elongation%, and impact strength, while it decreased the tensile strength, flexural modulus and heat deflection temperature (HDT) of the compound compared to the untreated one. It seemed the alkali treatment on the nano-kenaf fiber changed the character of the fiber due to removal of impurities and chemicals on the surface and resulted in decreased interfacial adhesion between the nano-fiber surface and the PP matrix and changed the character of the PP.

나노케냐프 섬유가 포함된 셀룰로스 섬유를 알카리(NaOH)로 처리 후 PP 수지에 첨가하여 물성에 미치는 영향에 대하여 조사하였다. 알카리를 섬유에 처리한 효과로는 M.I., 신장율, 충격강도가 증가하는 반면 인장강도, 휨모듈러스, 열변형온도가 처리하지 않은 섬유에 비해 감소하였다. 알카리를 나노섬유에 처리하였을 때 섬유표면의 불순물과 화학물질을 제거하여 섬유표면의 특성을 변화시켜서 나노섬유와 PP 수지간의 계면간 접착력을 감소시키고 PP의 특성을 변화시키는 것으로 보인다.

Keywords: alkali treatment; nano-kenaf; polypropylene; mechanical property; interfacial adhesion.