Advanced Materials Research Vol. 1119

Abstract: Mechanical properties of formulated biocomposite between acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) polymer and kenaf whole stem (KWS) fibre have been investigated. This work has been done by alternating the KWSfibre loading with aim to propose the best formulation for preparing ABS/kenafbiocompositeby referring to its mechanical properties with the addition of processing aid.KWS fiber loading up from 10% to 50% are considered in this work and evaluated. It was found that by increasing the KWS fibre loading, the Young’s and flexural modulus of the ABS/kenafbiocomposite was subsequently increased too. Interestingly, the biocomposite strength decreased considerably while the impact strength drops significantly. ABS/kenafbiocomposite with 50% KWSfibre loading (C-50/50) has showed better performance compared to other formulation. However, a higher fibre loading was not considered presently as difficulties during compounding process are to be anticipated.

Abstract: The theoretical method of molecular dynamics was applied to study H₂O molecular diffusion behavior in PAM/PVA Polymer blends, investigated the effects of component ratios, temperatures and water contents on diffusion coefficient. Results show that with the increase of PVA content in blend systems, the H₂O molecule diffusion coefficient first increased and then decreased. This indicates there is an optimum component ratio to make the H₂O molecule diffusion coefficient maximum. There is a certain influence of temperature on H₂O molecular diffusion in PAM/PVA blend system, the higher the temperature, the bigger the H₂O molecular diffusion coefficient. When the less H₂O molecules contained in system, there is a less impact on the diffusion coefficient. As the number of H₂O molecules reaches a certain amount, the effect on the diffusion coefficient is more obvious.

Abstract: Damage accumulation in uni-directional glass fiber reinforced epoxy matrix composite manufactured with a stacking sequence of [90/0/0] s using vacuum infusion method is investigated by monitoring the change in Poisson’s ratio during quasi-static tension and quasi static cyclic tension test. During the tests, axial and transversal strains are recorded by utilizing extensometer and a strain gauge to compare the response of sensor types for the evolution of Poisson’s ratio.

Abstract: A uni-axial compression test of solid wood containing a melamine formaldehyde resin and moisture at a heating condition was carried out to investigate fluidity of solid wood aiming at application of wood-flow-forming with an acceptable pressure level. Results show that there is a preferable moisture condition for initiation of flow phenomenon of the resin-treated wood. Since the decrease in the flow stress of wood generating pronounced size change in the drying process was distinguished, there might be a positive effect of the non-equilibrium state in moisture on the ease in generation of flow deformation.

Abstract: The objective of this study is to prepare α-cellulose reinforced poly (butylene succinate) composites (PBS/α-cellulose). The effect of amount α-cellulose on the mechanical properties of the composites was investigated. To improve interfacial interaction between PBS and α-cellulose, glycidyl methacrylate grafted poly (butylene succinate) (PBS-g-GMA) was used as a compatibilizer. Mechanical properties of PBS composites prepared by using a twin-screw extruder were investigated. The mechanical properties of PBS/α-cellulose decreased due to the agglomeration of α-cellulose. Nevertheless, tensile strength, Young’s modulus and flexural strength of PBS composites were improved after the incorporation of PBS-g-GMA. The optimum loading of PBS-g-GMA and α-cellulose in the PBS was found to be 5 and 6 phr.

Abstract: The modified poly (butylene succinate) (PBS), namely, PBS-g-MA and PBS-g-GMA were prepared in order to be used as a compatibilizer for PBS composites. The grafting of maleic anhydride (MA) or glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto PBS was carried out using a twin-screw extruder. The grafting reactions were confirmed by spectroscopic analysis. Comparing with MA, it was found that GMA can be effectively grafted on PBS. The PBS-g-GMA was successfully used for PBS composites to enhance thermal properties. Furthermore, it was found that the incorporation of compatibilizer increased the melt viscosity of PBS composites.

Abstract: In order to improve the thermal stability of PLA based materials it was followed the strategy of blending it with a polymer having a higher glass transition temperature such as poly (carbonate) of bisphenol A (PC) . PLA/PC blends with different compositions were by melt extrusion produced also in the presence of an interchange reaction catalyst, tetrabutylammonium tetraphenylborate (TBATPB) and triacetin. The dynamical mechanical thermal characterization showed an interesting change of the storage modulus behavior in the PLA glass transition region, evident exclusively in the catalyzed blends. In particular, a new peak in the Tan δ trend at a temperature in between the one of PLA and the one of PC was observed only in the blends obtained in the presence of triacetin and TBATPB. The height and maximum temperature of the peak was different after the annealing of samples at 80°C. The data showed an interesting improvement of thermal stability above the PLA glass transition, this was explained keeping into account the formation of PLA-PC copolymer during the reactive extrusion. Furthermore, the glass transition temperature of the copolymer as a function of composition was studied and the obtained trend was discussed by comparing with literature models developed for copolymers.

Abstract: In the present study, glass fiber reinforced Polyamide 66 composites were produced using laboratory type twin screw extrusion and injection molding processes. The glass fiber reinforcement was applied at 1, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 wt% loadings. The morphological structure of the samples and failure modes of glass fiber reinforced Polyamide 66 composites were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis on fractured surfaces of tensile tested samples in this study.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) has been widely used in many application such as in hygiene products, agriculture and also horticulture, wastewater treatment and others. The absorbency and degradability of SAP can be enhanced by utilization of carbon filler. In this research, SAP with carbon filler has been synthesized using graft polymerization method. Acrylic acid (AA) used as monomer, N, N-methylbisacrylamide (MBA) used as crosslinking agent, ammonium persulphate (APS) as initiator and different size of natural carbon filler used as filler. Water absorbency test showed that SAP with 500 μm carbon filler has highest degree of swelling while SAP with 125 μm and 71 μm carbon filler has degree of swelling lower than degree of swelling of control hydrogel. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) image showed 500 μm carbon filler has better surface morphology and alignment to make interfacial contact with hydrogel besides buil excellent capillary effect to absorb and store more water. In conclusion, smaller in particle size of filler will decrease the degree of swelling of SAP.

Abstract: Thermoplastic starch/poly (butylene succinate),an entirely biodegradable polymer blend was prepared using a two-step extrusion process. The mechanical properties and thermal behavior of TPS/PBS blends were investigated. The results demonstrated that the strength and elongation at break of TPS/PBS blends were greatly improved with the addition of rPBS in PBS blends due to its contribution in the improvement of interfacial compatibilizing and miscibility.