Effect of Fiber Loading on Tensile Properties of Cocoa Pod Husk Fibers Reinforced Thermoplastic Polyurethane Composites

Abstract:

In this study, cocoa (Theobroma cacao) pod husk (CPH) fiber reinforced themoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was prepared by melt blending method using Haake Polydrive R600 internal mixer. The composites were prepared with different fiber loading: 20%, 30% and 40% (by weight), with the optimum processing parameters: 190°C, 11 min, and 40 rpm for temperature, time and speed, respectively. Five samples were cut from the composite sheet. Mean value was taken for each composite according to ASTM standards. Increase of fibre loading showed increase in tensile strength and modulus and decreasing trend of strain.

• Periodical: Applied Mechanics and Materials (Volume 606)
• Pages: 25-28
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMM.606.25
• Online since: August 2014
• Authors: Y.A. El-Shekeil*, S.M. Sapuan, M. Haron
• Keywords: Cocoa Pod Fibers, Natural Fiber Composites, Tensile Properties, Thermoplastic Polyurethane

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