
215Eco-Friendly Fiber-Reinforced Natural Rubber Green Composites
coupling agents used for the modication of natural bers to improve ber properties
such as ber nish, compatibility with matrix, and chemical bonding between ber
and matrix (Saheb and Jog 1999). Chemical treatments such as dewaxing (defatting),
delignication, bleaching, acetylation, and chemical grafting are used for modifying
the surface properties of the bers and enhancing their performance.
10.5.2 therMal staBility of natural fiBers
Natural bers are complex mixtures of organic materials, and as a result, thermal
treatment leads to a variety of physical and chemical changes. ...