Effect of Ester Linkages on the Mechanical Properties of Wood Fiber-Polypropylene Composites

Han

J of Applied Polymer Sci

2005

176

ABSTRACT:The objective of this study was the production of rice husk flour (RHF) and wood flour (WF) filled polybutylene succinate (PBS) biocomposites as alternatives to cellulosic material filled conventional plastic (polyolefins) composites. PBS is one of the biodegradable polymers, made from the condensation reaction of 1,4-butanediol and succinic acid that can be naturally degraded in the natural environment. We compared the mechanical properties between conventional plastics and agro-flour-filled PBS biocomposites. We evaluated the biodegradability and mechanical properties of agro-flour-filled PBS biocomposites according to the content and filler particle size of agro-flour. As the agro-flour loading was increased, the tensile and impact strength of the biocomposites decreased. As the filler particle size decreased, the tensile strength of the biocomposites increased but the impact strength decreased. The addition of agro-flour to PBS produced a more rapid decrease in the tensile strength, notched Izod impact strength, and percentage weight loss of the biocomposites during the natural soil burial test. These results support the application of biocomposites as environmentally friendly materials.

Section: Mechanical Propertiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Biodegradability and mechanical properties of agro‐flour–filled polybutylene succinate biocomposites

Han

J of Applied Polymer Sci

2005

176

J of Applied Polymer Sci

“…X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) are the methods most often used to confirm the esterification reaction. [5][6][7][8][9] Much of the research on wood-plastic composites has focused on natural and pulped fibers. Regenerated celluloses such as viscose fiber and other semisynthetic fibers have not been studied extensively.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of maleated polypropylene on mechanical properties of composite made of viscose fiber and polypropylene

Paunikallio

Kasanen

Suvanto

et al. 2003

ABSTRACT:The purpose of this work was to study how viscose fiber behaves in polypropylene (PP) matrix when maleated polypropylene (MAPP) is used as a coupling agent. The influences of processing conditions on composite properties was of interest. Composites were characterized by FTIR and mechanical testing. The most notable result was the effect of the MAPP concentration on the tensile strength of the composites; the tensile strength increased from 40 to 69 MPa when MAPP was added in amounts up to 6 wt % of the fiber weight. The interaction between MAPP and fiber was confirmed with FTIR.

Journal of Natural Fibers

“…The O/ C atomic ratio of Epolene G-3003-treated AEF was distinctly lower than that of Epolene E-43-treated AEF. This is probably due to the higher molecular weight or the greater length of PP chains of Epolene G-3003 as compared to Epolene E-43 (Kazayawoko et al, 1997a).…”

Section: Electron Spectroscopy For Chemical Analysis (Esca)mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…To confirm the Taib et al 73 formation of ester bonds, FTIR study was performed on the treated fibers. Since the ester functional groups absorb in the 1750-1720 cm Ϫ1 region, the discussion will be focused on this region (Kazayawoko et al, 1997a). Untreated AEF already has some ester functional groups that absorb within the 1750-1720 cm Ϫ1 region.…”

Section: Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (Ftir)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Alkali Extracted Steam-ExplodedAcacia mangiumWood Fiber as Reinforcing Material for Polypropylene-Based Composites

Taib

Ishak

Din

et al. 2004

Composites of polypropylene (PP) and alkali extracted steam-exploded Acacia mangium wood fiber (AEF) were prepared. The fiber was grafted with maleated polypropylene (MAPP), either Epolene E-43 or Epolene G-3003. Their performance as a compatibilizing agent was compared. Treated fibers were characterized with SEM, ESCA, and FTIR. SEM and ESCA showed the presence of both MAPPs at the fiber surfaces. FTIR spectroscopy was R. M. Taib and Z. A. M. Ishak are affiliated with the School of Materials and Mineral Resources, unable to detect ester links between MAPP and AEF. All mechanical properties were improved with the incorporation of the treated fibers due to improved fiber dispersion and fiber/matrix adhesion as revealed by optical and scanning electron micrographs. As a compatibilizer, Epolene E-43 performed better than E polene G-3003.