Surface Functionalization of Natural Short Diss (Ampelodesmos mauritanicus) Fiber with Graphene Nanoplatelets for Advanced Applications: Structural, Thermal, and Morphological Characterization

Understanding interfacial interactions is a key to enhancing composite performance. This study aims to investigate the structural, thermal, and morphological properties of short Diss (Ampelodesmos mauritanicus) fiber (SDF) functionalized with graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs). The diss fibers were first extracted and then alkali-treated with 4% (w/v) NaOH, while the graphene nanoplatelets were sonicated. A functionalized short diss fibers-graphene nanoplatelets (SDFGNPs) was prepared using a simple mixing method. The results clearly demonstrated strong adhesion of graphene to the fiber surface, as confirmed by electron microscope micrographs. This resulted in improved thermal stability of the fibers, as evidenced by Tmax increasing from 343 °C to 353 °C, indicating a marked enhancement in thermal resistance, along with a notable 70.25% reduction in final accumulated weight loss. Furthermore, spectroscopic analysis revealed the absence of any chemical bonding, supporting the hypothesis that graphene nanoplatelets mechanically adhere to the fiber surface.