How a Simple Salt Treatment Significantly Improves the Performance of Sisal–Epoxy Composite Boards

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Natural fiber composites have become one of the fastest-growing areas of sustainable materials engineering as industries seek environmentally responsible alternatives to synthetic reinforcement materials. Among various plant fibers, sisal offers an attractive combination of high specific strength, renewability, low density, and wide availability. However, its hydrophilic nature often limits its compatibility with polymer matrices, resulting in weak interfacial bonding and reduced mechanical performance. Researchers continue to investigate effective surface modification techniques capable of overcoming this challenge without introducing environmentally harmful chemicals or costly processing methods.

The reviewed study explores an interesting solution by using sodium chloride (NaCl)—a simple, inexpensive, and environmentally benign material—to modify sisal fibers before manufacturing epoxy-based composite boards. Rather than relying on conventional alkaline treatments that may damage equipment or generate hazardous waste, the research evaluates how NaCl concentration, treatment temperature, and board density influence mechanical performance, moisture resistance, and microstructural characteristics. The findings provide valuable insights for researchers, composite manufacturers, sustainable material developers, and engineers seeking practical methods to improve bio-based composite performance while supporting greener manufacturing practices. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

Bibliographic Information

Item Information
Article Title Characteristics of Sisal-Epoxy Composite Boards with Sodium Chloride-Treated Fibers at Different Treatment Temperatures
Authors Tamaryska Setyayunita, Heru Suryanto, Aminnudin Aminnudin, Azlin Fazlina Osman, and Uun Yanuhar
Journal Teknomekanik
Volume & Issue Volume 8, Issue 1
Publication Year 2025
Pages 38–51
DOI https://doi.org/10.24036/teknomekanik.v8i1.35572
Publisher Universitas Negeri Padang
License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)

1. Research Background

  • Growing demand for sustainable composite materials. Industries are increasingly replacing synthetic fiber reinforcements with renewable biofibers to reduce environmental impacts, improve material sustainability, and support circular manufacturing. Sisal fiber has emerged as one of the most promising natural reinforcements because of its relatively high strength, low density, biodegradability, and wide availability.
  • Epoxy provides excellent structural performance but requires strong fiber adhesion. Epoxy resins possess high stiffness, dimensional stability, and chemical resistance, making them attractive matrices for structural composite boards. However, their full mechanical potential depends heavily on the quality of fiber–matrix interfacial bonding.
  • Hydrophilic natural fibers create interfacial compatibility problems. Sisal fibers contain cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin with abundant hydroxyl groups, giving them a highly hydrophilic surface. In contrast, epoxy is relatively hydrophobic. This difference reduces adhesion between fiber and matrix, resulting in lower strength, poor load transfer, and increased moisture sensitivity.
  • Surface modification has become an essential strategy. Previous studies have demonstrated that chemical treatments such as sodium hydroxide, silane coupling agents, and esterification can improve fiber surface characteristics and enhance composite performance. Nevertheless, several conventional treatments involve highly alkaline chemicals that may increase processing costs, create environmental concerns, or accelerate equipment corrosion.
  • Sodium chloride offers an environmentally friendly alternative. Neutral-pH sodium chloride (NaCl) has recently attracted attention as a simpler and potentially safer treatment agent capable of improving fiber surface properties without the disadvantages associated with aggressive alkaline chemicals. Earlier studies suggested positive effects on natural fibers, but comprehensive investigations remain limited.
  • Important knowledge gaps remained unresolved. Existing literature had primarily examined NaCl treatment at room temperature and often focused on a single treatment concentration. Little information was available regarding the combined influence of NaCl concentration, elevated treatment temperature, and composite board density on both the mechanical and physical properties of sisal–epoxy composite boards.
  • Microstructural evidence was also limited. While several studies reported improvements in mechanical properties following fiber treatment, relatively few investigated the underlying mechanisms using complementary characterization techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to explain changes in fiber chemistry and interfacial morphology.
  • This study addresses multiple variables simultaneously. The authors investigated how treatment temperature (25°C and 100°C), NaCl concentration (1, 3, and 5 wt%), and composite board density (0.40, 0.60, and 0.80 g/cm³) collectively influence bending strength, internal bonding, moisture resistance, chemical structure, and fracture morphology. This integrated approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of sustainable fiber modification than previous studies.
  • The study introduces practical engineering value. Rather than proposing an entirely new composite material, the research demonstrates how a relatively simple processing modification can substantially enhance the performance of existing bio-based composite boards. Such process optimization is particularly valuable for industrial implementation because it may be adopted without fundamentally changing manufacturing infrastructure.

2. Research Objectives

  • To evaluate how sodium chloride (NaCl) treatment influences the physical, mechanical, and microstructural characteristics of sisal fiber–epoxy composite boards.
  • To investigate the combined effects of treatment temperature, NaCl concentration, and composite board density on composite performance.
  • To determine the optimum combination of processing parameters capable of maximizing mechanical strength while minimizing water absorption and thickness swelling.
  • To assess the interfacial interaction between treated sisal fibers and the epoxy matrix through mechanical testing and microscopic characterization.
  • To characterize chemical modifications induced by NaCl treatment using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR).
  • To evaluate fracture morphology and fiber–matrix adhesion using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).
  • To determine whether NaCl treatment can serve as a simple, environmentally friendly alternative for improving the engineering performance of biofiber composite boards.

3. Why This Research Matters

  • Supports sustainable materials engineering. The study contributes to the development of renewable composite materials that can reduce dependence on synthetic fiber reinforcements while maintaining satisfactory engineering performance.
  • Provides a greener fiber treatment strategy. Using sodium chloride instead of highly alkaline chemical treatments offers manufacturers a potentially safer and more environmentally responsible processing route without sacrificing composite quality.
  • Improves structural composite performance. Enhanced fiber–matrix bonding directly increases stiffness, bending strength, and internal bonding, making natural fiber composites more attractive for structural and semi-structural engineering applications.
  • Enhances durability in humid environments. Lower water absorption and reduced thickness swelling improve dimensional stability, allowing bio-based composite boards to perform more reliably under service conditions involving moisture exposure.
  • Supports lightweight engineering design. Stronger natural fiber composites provide opportunities to replace heavier conventional materials in selected applications where weight reduction is important without significantly compromising mechanical performance.
  • Encourages process optimization rather than material replacement. The research demonstrates that significant improvements can be achieved through relatively simple modifications of manufacturing parameters, making industrial adoption more feasible than developing entirely new composite systems.
  • Strengthens scientific understanding of fiber modification. By integrating standardized mechanical testing with FTIR and SEM analyses, the study explains not only what performance improvements occur but also why they occur at the chemical and microstructural levels.
  • Supports future development of high-performance bio-composites. The findings provide useful knowledge for researchers working in sustainable manufacturing, polymer composites, green materials, advanced material design, and environmentally conscious engineering technologies.

4. Research Methodology

  • Research Design

    The study employed an experimental quantitative research design to investigate how different sodium chloride (NaCl) treatment conditions influence the performance of sisal fiber–epoxy composite boards. A completely randomized design (CRD) was adopted, enabling the researchers to evaluate the individual and combined effects of three independent variables on the physical, mechanical, chemical, and morphological characteristics of the manufactured composites.

  • Independent Variables

    Three processing parameters were systematically investigated throughout the experiment:

    • NaCl concentration: 1 wt%, 3 wt%, and 5 wt%.
    • Treatment temperature: 25°C (room temperature) and 100°C (boiling temperature).
    • Composite board density: 0.40, 0.60, and 0.80 g/cm³.

    This factorial combination enabled the researchers to identify the optimum processing conditions capable of maximizing board performance while improving moisture resistance and interfacial bonding.

  • Materials

    Sisal fiber (Agave sisalana) collected from Blitar, East Java, Indonesia, served as the reinforcement material. Diglycidyl Ether of Bisphenol A (DGEBA) epoxy resin together with an aliphatic amine hardener was used as the polymer matrix. Sodium chloride (99% purity) functioned as the environmentally friendly fiber treatment agent intended to modify the fiber surface before composite fabrication.

  • Fiber Treatment Procedure

    The sisal fibers were initially air-dried until reaching approximately 13–14% moisture content before being cut into 25 mm lengths. The fibers were subsequently immersed in NaCl solutions with concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5% for one hour under either room-temperature or boiling-temperature conditions. Following immersion, the fibers were rinsed until reaching neutral pH and then dried before composite manufacturing.

    Maintaining a constant fiber-to-solution ratio throughout the treatment ensured consistent processing conditions among all experimental groups and minimized uncontrolled variability during surface modification.

  • Composite Board Fabrication

    Composite boards were manufactured by manually blending treated sisal fibers with epoxy resin and hardener using an 80:20 weight ratio. The epoxy and hardener were mixed at a 1:1 ratio before impregnation of the fibers. The prepared mat was cold pressed into boards approximately 10 mm thick before being trimmed according to the required specimen dimensions for standardized testing.

    Each experimental condition was replicated three times, allowing average values and standard deviations to be calculated for every measured property.

  • Mechanical and Physical Testing

    Composite performance was evaluated according to the Japanese Industrial Standard JIS A 5908. The investigated engineering properties included:

    • Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
    • Modulus of Rupture (MOR)
    • Internal Bond Strength (IB)
    • Water Absorption (WA)
    • Thickness Swelling (TS)

    Flexural properties were measured using three-point bending tests, while water absorption and thickness swelling were determined after 24-hour water immersion. Internal bond testing assessed the quality of fiber–matrix adhesion within the composite board structure.

  • Chemical Characterization

    Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) was employed to investigate chemical modifications occurring after NaCl treatment. Ground composite samples were analyzed using the potassium bromide (KBr) pellet method to identify changes in functional groups associated with cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, hydroxyl groups, and epoxy-related chemical interactions.

  • Microstructural Analysis

    Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was utilized to observe fracture surfaces and evaluate the quality of fiber–matrix adhesion. Morphological observations enabled comparison between untreated fibers and fibers subjected to different NaCl treatment conditions by identifying fiber pull-out, interfacial gaps, fracture characteristics, and matrix penetration.

  • Statistical Analysis

    Experimental data were analyzed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to determine whether NaCl treatment significantly influenced the measured composite properties. Statistical significance was evaluated at a confidence level of p < 0.05, while graphical results included standard deviation error bars and significance grouping to facilitate comparison among treatment conditions.

5. Key Findings

Higher NaCl Concentration and Elevated Temperature Produced the Strongest Composite Boards

The study clearly demonstrates that increasing both sodium chloride concentration and treatment temperature substantially improved the mechanical performance of sisal–epoxy composite boards. The most favorable results were consistently achieved using 5 wt% NaCl combined with a treatment temperature of 100°C and a composite density of 0.80 g/cm³. Under these conditions, the composite exhibited the highest stiffness, bending strength, and internal bonding among all experimental groups.

The improvement indicates that elevated-temperature NaCl treatment modifies the fiber surface more effectively than room-temperature treatment, promoting stronger interaction between the sisal fibers and the epoxy matrix. Instead of representing a marginal enhancement, the observed improvements suggest that processing conditions play a decisive role in determining the engineering performance of bio-based composite boards.

Mechanical Properties Improved Dramatically Through Enhanced Fiber–Matrix Adhesion

One of the most important outcomes of the research is the significant enhancement of the principal mechanical properties. Compared with untreated composite boards, the optimum treatment condition increased the Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) to approximately 4.59 GPa, the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) to approximately 18.88 MPa, and the Internal Bond Strength (IB) to nearly 3.92 MPa. These improvements represent substantial gains in stiffness, bending resistance, and interfacial bonding strength.

The authors attribute these improvements to better compatibility between treated sisal fibers and the epoxy resin. NaCl treatment appears to remove impurities from the fiber surface while modifying its chemical characteristics, enabling stronger mechanical interlocking and more efficient stress transfer throughout the composite structure. Improved adhesion also reduces fiber pull-out during loading, resulting in more effective reinforcement of the polymer matrix.

NaCl Treatment Significantly Improved Moisture Resistance

Besides enhancing mechanical performance, sodium chloride treatment also improved the dimensional stability of the composite boards. Water absorption and thickness swelling decreased considerably after fiber treatment, particularly at higher NaCl concentrations and elevated treatment temperatures. The treated composites comfortably satisfied the requirements specified in the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS A 5908) for thickness swelling after water immersion.

Improved moisture resistance is particularly important because natural fibers typically exhibit strong affinity for water due to their abundant hydroxyl groups. By modifying the fiber surface, NaCl treatment reduced moisture uptake and limited dimensional expansion, thereby improving long-term durability under humid service conditions. These findings broaden the potential applications of sisal-based composite boards beyond dry indoor environments.

Microscopic Observations Confirmed Stronger Fiber–Matrix Interaction

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) provided convincing visual evidence supporting the mechanical test results. Untreated composite boards exhibited rough fracture surfaces, noticeable fiber pull-out, and visible gaps between the fibers and epoxy matrix. These features are typical indicators of relatively weak interfacial adhesion and inefficient load transfer.

In contrast, specimens treated with 5 wt% NaCl at boiling temperature displayed a more compact fracture surface with substantially reduced fiber pull-out and stronger matrix attachment to the fiber surfaces. The improved microstructure demonstrates that appropriate fiber treatment enhances mechanical interlocking and creates a more integrated composite architecture capable of resisting mechanical loading more effectively.

FTIR Analysis Revealed Chemical Changes Responsible for Better Performance

Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed that NaCl treatment altered several characteristic absorption bands associated with hydroxyl groups, lignin, cellulose, and epoxy-related functional groups. Changes in the intensity of specific peaks suggest modification of hydrogen bonding, reduction of lignin content, and alteration of the chemical environment surrounding the fiber surface.

These chemical modifications help explain why treated fibers bonded more effectively with the epoxy matrix. Improved surface polarity and enhanced compatibility facilitated stronger interfacial interactions, supporting the substantial increases observed in stiffness, bending strength, and internal bond performance. The FTIR results therefore provide molecular-level evidence complementing both the mechanical testing and SEM observations.

Process Parameters Are Equally Important as Material Selection

An important engineering insight emerging from this study is that manufacturing conditions can be just as influential as the choice of constituent materials. Rather than introducing a new reinforcement fiber or polymer matrix, the researchers demonstrated that optimizing fiber treatment temperature, sodium chloride concentration, and board density can significantly improve overall composite performance using conventional materials.

This finding has considerable industrial relevance because process optimization is generally more economical and easier to implement than developing entirely new composite systems. Manufacturers may therefore achieve substantial improvements in product quality through relatively simple modifications of existing production procedures while maintaining environmentally responsible processing practices.

6. Scientific Contribution

  • Introduces an environmentally friendly fiber modification strategy. The study demonstrates that sodium chloride (NaCl), a neutral and inexpensive chemical, can effectively improve the performance of sisal fiber–epoxy composites. This provides an alternative to conventional alkaline treatments that may cause equipment corrosion or require more complex waste handling procedures.
  • Expands scientific understanding of NaCl-treated natural fibers. While previous studies have explored NaCl treatment under limited conditions, this research systematically investigates the combined influence of treatment concentration, treatment temperature, and composite board density. The multi-factor approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of process optimization for bio-based composite manufacturing.
  • Establishes the relationship between processing parameters and composite performance. The study demonstrates that mechanical properties, moisture resistance, and internal bonding are governed not only by material selection but also by carefully controlled manufacturing parameters. This contributes valuable knowledge to composite processing science.
  • Integrates multiple characterization techniques. Mechanical testing, physical property evaluation, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were employed to explain the observed performance improvements from both macroscopic and microscopic perspectives. This integrated analytical approach strengthens the scientific reliability of the findings.
  • Provides evidence of fiber–matrix interaction mechanisms. Rather than reporting only improved mechanical properties, the study explains how NaCl treatment modifies the fiber surface, improves wettability, alters chemical functional groups, and strengthens interfacial adhesion between sisal fibers and the epoxy matrix.
  • Demonstrates compliance with engineering standards. Composite board performance was evaluated according to the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS A 5908), allowing the results to be interpreted within an internationally recognized engineering framework and increasing their relevance for industrial applications.
  • Contributes to sustainable materials engineering. The research supports the broader transition toward renewable composite materials by demonstrating how relatively simple processing modifications can significantly enhance the engineering performance of biofiber-reinforced polymer composites.

7. Industrial Implications

  • Supports sustainable composite manufacturing. Manufacturers seeking environmentally responsible production methods may adopt NaCl fiber treatment as a practical alternative to more aggressive chemical modification processes while maintaining high composite performance.
  • Improves product quality. Stronger fiber–matrix adhesion leads to higher stiffness, bending strength, and internal bonding, enabling the production of composite boards with improved structural reliability and longer service life.
  • Enhances moisture resistance. Lower water absorption and reduced thickness swelling improve dimensional stability, making the composite boards more suitable for environments where humidity or occasional moisture exposure cannot be completely avoided.
  • Reduces manufacturing risk. Since sodium chloride is chemically less aggressive than many conventional alkali treatments, manufacturers may reduce potential corrosion of processing equipment while simplifying chemical handling during production.
  • Encourages lightweight engineering solutions. Improved mechanical performance increases the feasibility of replacing heavier conventional materials with renewable natural fiber composites in selected engineering applications where weight reduction is desirable.
  • Supports circular economy initiatives. Increased utilization of renewable plant fibers contributes to more sustainable resource management by reducing dependence on synthetic reinforcement materials derived from fossil resources.
  • Benefits furniture and building industries. The improved composite boards have potential applications in interior panels, furniture components, partition systems, decorative boards, lightweight structural elements, and other wood-substitute products requiring satisfactory mechanical performance and dimensional stability.
  • Encourages process optimization. Rather than investing in entirely new materials, manufacturers can obtain substantial performance improvements through relatively simple modifications of existing production processes, making industrial implementation more economically attractive.
  • Supports digital manufacturing optimization. The identified relationships among treatment temperature, NaCl concentration, and board density provide useful process parameters that may later be integrated into digital manufacturing, process simulation, and quality prediction systems within Industry 4.0 environments.

8. Research Limitations

  • The investigation focuses exclusively on sisal fiber reinforced with an epoxy matrix. The effectiveness of the proposed treatment for other natural fibers or polymer systems remains to be verified through additional studies.
  • Only three sodium chloride concentrations and two treatment temperatures were evaluated. Intermediate processing conditions or wider operating ranges may reveal additional optimization opportunities.
  • Mechanical characterization primarily considered bending performance and internal bonding. Other engineering properties such as tensile strength, impact resistance, fatigue behaviour, creep performance, and fracture toughness were beyond the scope of the present investigation.
  • The study evaluated water absorption after 24-hour immersion but did not investigate long-term environmental durability, cyclic moisture exposure, ultraviolet weathering, or biological degradation under outdoor service conditions.
  • Although SEM and FTIR provided valuable insights into fiber–matrix interactions, additional characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), or X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) could further clarify the mechanisms responsible for property enhancement.
  • Composite boards were manufactured under laboratory conditions. Industrial-scale production may introduce additional variables, including process consistency, manufacturing speed, equipment limitations, and economic considerations that require further investigation.
  • The research primarily evaluates material performance and does not include a comprehensive economic assessment or life-cycle analysis comparing NaCl treatment with conventional fiber modification technologies.

9. Future Research Opportunities

  • Investigate a wider range of sodium chloride concentrations and treatment durations to identify the optimum processing window for different composite systems.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of NaCl treatment on other natural fibers such as kenaf, jute, hemp, flax, bamboo, ramie, or agricultural residues.
  • Examine the compatibility of NaCl-treated fibers with alternative polymer matrices, including polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyurethane, and bio-based resins.
  • Study long-term durability under cyclic humidity, ultraviolet exposure, thermal aging, biological degradation, and outdoor environmental conditions.
  • Investigate additional mechanical properties, including tensile behaviour, compressive strength, impact resistance, fatigue life, fracture toughness, and creep performance.
  • Combine sodium chloride treatment with other environmentally friendly surface modification techniques to determine whether synergistic improvements can be achieved.
  • Apply advanced characterization methods such as XRD, TGA, DSC, XPS, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), or Micro-CT imaging to better understand the physicochemical mechanisms governing fiber modification.
  • Develop predictive computational models that relate treatment parameters, interfacial characteristics, and composite properties using machine learning or artificial intelligence approaches.
  • Perform techno-economic analysis and life-cycle assessment (LCA) to quantify the environmental and economic advantages of NaCl treatment compared with conventional chemical modification methods.
  • Investigate industrial-scale manufacturing feasibility, including process repeatability, production efficiency, quality control, and commercial implementation within sustainable composite manufacturing systems.

10. Potential for Public Policy Citation (Overton)

Although this article is primarily an experimental materials engineering study, its findings possess meaningful policy relevance because they contribute to the growing body of evidence supporting sustainable materials development and environmentally responsible manufacturing. The research does not propose regulations or policy frameworks directly; however, the demonstrated improvements in natural fiber composite performance through a simple and environmentally benign treatment process make the study potentially valuable for organizations developing sustainable manufacturing strategies and bio-based material policies.

The article could reasonably be cited in policy-oriented publications that discuss renewable materials, green manufacturing technologies, circular economy initiatives, or sustainable industrial innovation. Since the study provides experimentally validated evidence using standardized engineering testing (JIS A 5908), it offers credible technical support for future policy documents promoting wider adoption of renewable composite materials.

  • Government Reports. The findings may support governmental reports promoting renewable materials, environmentally friendly manufacturing technologies, bioeconomy development, or sustainable industrial transformation.
  • Industrial Roadmaps. Organizations developing roadmaps for advanced materials, green manufacturing, lightweight engineering, or sustainable construction materials may reference this work when identifying promising natural fiber composite technologies.
  • Technical Standards. Although the article itself does not establish new engineering standards, its experimental results may contribute supporting evidence for future revisions of standards related to bio-based composite boards, natural fiber reinforcement, or sustainable building materials.
  • Sustainability Policies. The demonstrated reduction in reliance on aggressive chemical treatments aligns well with policies encouraging environmentally responsible production, reduced chemical hazards, and lower environmental impacts throughout manufacturing processes.
  • Innovation Strategies. National and regional innovation strategies promoting bio-based materials, advanced composites, renewable resources, and circular economy initiatives could cite the study as evidence supporting investment in sustainable materials research.
  • Manufacturing Policies. Policymakers encouraging industrial modernization and sustainable manufacturing may consider this research when promoting cleaner production methods for wood-based panels and polymer composite industries.

Overall, the policy relevance of this article is considered moderate. Its greatest value lies in providing robust scientific evidence that may inform future policy development rather than serving as a direct policy analysis or regulatory study.

11. Who Should Read This Paper?

  • Researchers working in natural fiber composites and polymer engineering.
  • Materials scientists investigating sustainable and bio-based engineering materials.
  • Mechanical engineers involved in composite material design and structural applications.
  • Manufacturing engineers seeking environmentally friendly production technologies.
  • Researchers studying fiber surface modification and interfacial engineering.
  • Graduate students in mechanical engineering, materials engineering, polymer science, and manufacturing engineering.
  • Furniture and wood-composite manufacturers interested in improving composite board performance.
  • Construction material developers exploring lightweight and renewable alternatives.
  • Industrial practitioners implementing sustainable manufacturing technologies.
  • Researchers in green materials, circular economy, and bio-based manufacturing.
  • Government agencies supporting sustainable industrial innovation and renewable material development.
  • Educators teaching composite materials, materials characterization, and sustainable manufacturing.

12. Final Thoughts

This study provides a well-designed experimental investigation into an important challenge in sustainable composite materials: improving the compatibility between hydrophilic natural fibers and hydrophobic polymer matrices. Rather than relying on highly aggressive chemical treatments, the authors demonstrate that sodium chloride—a simple, inexpensive, and environmentally benign material—can significantly enhance the engineering performance of sisal–epoxy composite boards when appropriate processing conditions are employed. The integration of standardized mechanical testing with FTIR and SEM characterization provides convincing evidence that the observed performance improvements originate from enhanced fiber–matrix interaction and modified surface chemistry.

From both scientific and industrial perspectives, the research offers practical value because it emphasizes process optimization rather than the development of entirely new materials. Such an approach increases the likelihood of industrial adoption while supporting more sustainable manufacturing practices. Although further studies are needed to investigate long-term durability, broader material systems, and industrial-scale implementation, the findings establish a solid foundation for future research on environmentally friendly fiber modification technologies. Overall, this article represents a meaningful contribution to sustainable materials engineering and demonstrates how relatively simple processing innovations can substantially improve the performance of renewable composite materials for future engineering applications.

Suggested Citation

Teknomekanik (UNP) Style

Setyayunita, T., Suryanto, H., Aminnudin, A., Osman, A. F., & Yanuhar, U. (2025). Characteristics of sisal-epoxy composite boards with sodium chloride-treated fibers at different treatment temperatures. Teknomekanik, 8(1), 38–51. https://doi.org/10.24036/teknomekanik.v8i1.35572

APA (7th Edition)

Setyayunita, T., Suryanto, H., Aminnudin, A., Osman, A. F., & Yanuhar, U. (2025). Characteristics of sisal-epoxy composite boards with sodium chloride-treated fibers at different treatment temperatures. Teknomekanik, 8(1), 38–51. https://doi.org/10.24036/teknomekanik.v8i1.35572

IEEE Style

T. Setyayunita, H. Suryanto, A. Aminnudin, A. F. Osman, and U. Yanuhar, "Characteristics of sisal-epoxy composite boards with sodium chloride-treated fibers at different treatment temperatures," Teknomekanik, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 38–51, 2025, doi:10.24036/teknomekanik.v8i1.35572.

Harvard Style

Setyayunita, T., Suryanto, H., Aminnudin, A., Osman, A.F. & Yanuhar, U., 2025. Characteristics of sisal-epoxy composite boards with sodium chloride-treated fibers at different treatment temperatures. Teknomekanik, 8(1), pp.38–51. Available at: https://doi.org/10.24036/teknomekanik.v8i1.35572.

Vancouver Style

Setyayunita T, Suryanto H, Aminnudin A, Osman AF, Yanuhar U. Characteristics of sisal-epoxy composite boards with sodium chloride-treated fibers at different treatment temperatures. Teknomekanik. 2025;8(1):38–51. doi:10.24036/teknomekanik.v8i1.35572.

Chicago (Author–Date)

Setyayunita, Tamaryska, Heru Suryanto, Aminnudin Aminnudin, Azlin Fazlina Osman, and Uun Yanuhar. 2025. "Characteristics of Sisal-Epoxy Composite Boards with Sodium Chloride-Treated Fibers at Different Treatment Temperatures." Teknomekanik 8 (1): 38–51. https://doi.org/10.24036/teknomekanik.v8i1.35572.

MLA (9th Edition)

Setyayunita, Tamaryska, et al. "Characteristics of Sisal-Epoxy Composite Boards with Sodium Chloride-Treated Fibers at Different Treatment Temperatures." Teknomekanik, vol. 8, no. 1, 2025, pp. 38–51. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.24036/teknomekanik.v8i1.35572.

Editorial Note

Editorial Note: This blog post is an independent scholarly review intended for educational and scientific communication purposes. It summarizes and discusses the published article in the author's own words while providing full attribution to the original publication, consistent with the principles of the CC BY 4.0 license.

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