Prior treated with the chemical the celluloses were cleaned with the detergent at 80°C for 2 h to remove the impurities and contaminants as much as possible then rinsed three times with demineralized water.

Two different fiber treatment processes were used. In one-step treatment pro­cesses (P1), cellulosic fiber was soaked in a prepared solution for a period of time. The fibers were then dried in air for 6 h and then in an oven at 120°C for 2 h prior to testing.

In the two-step treatment processes (P2) cellulosic fiber was soaked in a first so­lution for 5 to 300 seconds. The fibers were then removed from the treating medium and allowed to dry in air for 6 h, and then dried in an oven at 120°C for 2 h. The dried fibers were then soaked in a second solution for 5 to 300 seconds. Finally the fibers were dried in air for 6 h and then in an oven at 120°C for 2 h prior to testing.

11.3.2 COMPOSITE FABRICATION

For phenolic (PF) composites, phenolic resin was then wetted on the fibers and dried in an oven to remove solvent from the resin and to let the resin transfer to stage B before compression. Wabash PC 100-2418-2TM compression was used to fabricate the composites under 100 psi pressure at 150°C. The amounts of resin and fiber in the final product were about 60 wt.% and 40 wt.%, respectively. The thickness of the composite plaque was about 3 mm.

Laminate epoxy composites were prepared by compression molding similar to the fabrication of phenolic composites but at 80°C. The amounts of resin and fiber in the final product were about 60 wt.% and 40 wt.%, respectively.

Laminate unsaturated polyester (UPE) composites were prepared by compres­sion molding similar to the fabrication of phenolic composites but at 50°C. The amounts of resin and fiber used were about 70 wt.% and 30 wt.%, respectively. The UPE resin contains 20 wt.% alumina trihydrate Hubert SB332.