This paper presents an experimental study of addition of cellulose nanofibers (CNF) extracted by the chemical-ultrasonication process from agave cantala leaf plants in the matrix of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Combining these materials produce the nanocomposite film with a thickness of 30 μm. The nanocomposite characteristic was investigated by the addition of CNF (0, 2, 5, 8, and 10 wt%) in PVA suspension (3 wt.%). PVA/CNF nanocomposite films were prepared by a casting solution method. The fibrillation of fibers to CNF was analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy. The nanocomposite film functional group's molecular chemical bond and structural analysis were tested using Fourier Transform Infrared and X-ray diffraction. The PVA/CNF nanocomposite film has significant advantages on the ultraviolet barrier, thermal stability tested by Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Thermogravimetric Analyzer, and tensile strength. Overall, the optimal addition of CNF is 8 wt.% in matrix, resulting in the highest crystallinity index (37.5%), the tensile strength and elongation at break was an increase of 79% and 138%, respectively. It has good absorbing ultraviolet rays (82.4%) and high thermal stability (365 o C).
Friction modifiers play an important role in modifying the friction performances on the brake pad material. This study aims to determine the optimal friction modifier composition for obtaining a high friction coefficient (CoF) stability and low wear with the Taguchi method. Taguchi's L8 orthogonal array consists of five factors, and two levels were used to design and perform the experiment. The tribological properties (CoF stability and wear) were tested using the JF160 Chase friction tester according to the SAE J661 standard. According to the S/N ratio and ANOVA analysis, the controllable factor of h-BN has a significant effect on CoF stability. While graphite and h-BN have a dominant influence on wear.
This study aimed to investigate the effect of alkali treatment and stacking sequences on water absorption and flexural strength in woven agel and glass fibers reinforced hybrid composites. The research materials are woven agel fiber, E-200 glass fiber, unsaturated polyester resin Yukalac 157 BQTN, and catalyst of methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP). The alkali treatment is carried out on the woven agel fibers by soaking the fiber in 5% NaOH solution for 1 hour. Then the fiber is washed with fresh water and dried for 48 hours. Manufacturing techniques used vacuum bagging with suction pressure of 70 cmHg at room temperature. The amount of reinforcing fiber 7 fibers consists of 3 glass fibers and 4 agel woven fibers. The water absorption test uses a 3.5% NaCl solution for 1080 hours at room temperature. Water absorption test specimens based on ASTM D570 standard. The research results showed that alkali treatment with glass fiber arrangement on the specimen surface effectively decreased water absorption and increased the flexural strength of woven agel and glass fibers hybrid composites. This can be seen from the decrease in water content in equilibrium by 8.67%, the diffusion coefficient of 5.74 x 10-12 m2/s, and the flexural strength before and after immersion, which are 135 MPa and 125 MPa respectively.
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