Investigation of the variability in the components of natural plant fibres subjected to hornification cycles

The use of plant fibres as reinforcement in cement composites has limited application due to their swelling and shrinking in matrices. A progressively weak matrix-fibre interfacial bond leads to the poor performance of such fibre composites. To overcome this challenge a simple process of soaking and oven drying treatments (hornification) can be used to enhance fibre geometry and their durability in matrices. To date, the effect of hornification cycles (HC) on spectra generated from Fourier Transform Infra-red (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis have not been fully developed. This study aims at assessing the variations in the functional groups and crystalline phases existing in plant fibres using FTIR and XRD respectively. Likewise, predictions of the optimal number of HC required by each fibre type employing FTIR will be made.