Properties of nylon-6-based composite reinforced with coconut shell particles and empty fruit bunch fibres

Abstract

Properties of nylon-6 based composite reinforced with coconut shell particles and empty fruit bunch fibres Novel natural fibre composites of nylon-6 reinforced with coconut shell (CS) particles and empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibres have been investigated. The fillers were washed and alkali treated before melt compounding with nylon-6. Composite test specimens were prepared by injection moulding prior to measurement of mechanical, thermal and rheological properties. Tensile modulus was found to improve with both fillers up to 16% for nylon-6/CS composite and 10% for nylon-6/EFB composite, whereas a moderate increase in tensile strength was observed only with CS composites. Differences in the strengthening mechanisms were explained by the morphology of the two fillers, empty fruit bunch fibres having a weaker cellular internal structure. Observation of composite morphology using SEM showed that both fillers were highly compatible with nylon-6 due to its hydrophilic nature. Both fillers were found to cause a slight drop in crystallinity of the nylon matrix and to lower melt viscosity at typical injection moulding strain rates. Moisture absorption increased with addition of both fillers, more so in the case of EFB composite.

Influence of chemical modification of kenaf fiber on xGNP-PP nano-biocomposites

“…This peak also occurred due to the inclusion of xGNP in the nanocomposites. A similar observation was reported elsewhere [13]. The second β-phase peak observed at 2θ = 21.88° is for (301) crystallographic plane.…”

“…As shown Fig. 9, the peak observed at 2θ = 16.91° is the characteristic peak corresponding to (300) plane of β-form crystals [13]. This peak also occurred due to the inclusion of xGNP in the nanocomposites.…”

“…Higher values of IS exhibited by the materials at lower content of kenaf flour is ascribed to their propensity for higher energy absorbtion for initiation of crack. Moreover, xGNP has the propensity of inducing nucleation of β-PP crystals resulting in higher impact strength when compared with the more common α-PP crystals [13]. However, micro-cracks propagate easily in the materials at the impact point due to weak interfacial-bonding between fillers and matrix.…”

“…Typically, thermoplastic polymers undergo crystallization to specific crystalline forms. For isotactic PP, there are various packing geometries of PP-helices resulting in four established crystal structures including α-monoclinic, β-trigonal, γ-triclinic and δ-smectic crystallographic forms depending on melting chronology, crystallization temperature, presence of extraneous materials and cooling rate [13], though the most common crystal is the α-monoclinic crystal form [14]. However, reports have revealed that the β-form exhibit superior impact strength and toughness due to its unique lamellar morphology, strain induced β-transition during mechanical deformation, and the formation of large plastic region.…”

3D Printing Filaments Prepared from Modified Poly(Lactic Acid)/Teak Wood Flour Composites: An Investigation on the Particle Size Effects and Silane Coupling Agent Compatibilisation

“…(1) reduces the polymeric matrix ductility; (2) limits the matrix-filler stress transfer from the poor interfacial adhesion; and (3) restricts the PLA chain entanglement under tension process. 23,24 The improvements of both the tensile strength and the elongation at break were evidenced, when modifying WF with γ-aminopropyl trimethoxy silane. The strength of the silane-treated composites was higher than that of the unmodified ones by around 23% and 38% for mPLAW74-5S and mPLAW125-5S, respectively.…”