The Influence of Alkaline Treatment on Mechanical Properties and Morphology of Rice Husk Fibre Reinforced Polylactic Acid

Abstract:

This study focuses on the influence of surface treatment and fibre sizes on mechanical behavior, physical properties and morphology of rice husk fibre (RHF) reinforced polylactic-acid (PLA). Modified RHF was prepared by using 6w.t.% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and distilled water. PLA composite reinforced with 25w.t.% volume fractions of modified RHF was mixed using the internal mixer and fabricated by the mini injection moulding. Tensile and flexural strength results showed that the PLA composite with 100, 200 and 500μm particles sizes of water treated fibre are much higher than those of alkaline treated. DSC measurement was performed and indicated that the T_g, T_m and ΔH_m of PLA reduced after reinforcement with water treated and alkaline treated fibres. TGA results showed that the treatment reduced the thermal stability of the PLA. FESEM micrographs for flexural fractured surfaces of composites showed micro crack and pores due to brittle fracture of the PLA matrix adjacent to the fibre as a result of the brittle nature of the PLA resin.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 911)
• Pages: 13-17
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.911.13
• Online since: March 2014
• Authors: Abdullah Farah Dina*, Sa’ad Siti Zaleha, Bonnia Noor Najmi, Ibrahim Nor Azowa
• Keywords: Alkaline Treatment, FESEM, Mechanical Property, Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), Rice Husk Fibre

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