Effect of Moisture Absorption on the Tensile Properties of Steam-exploded Acacia mangium Fiber–Polypropylene osites

JOURNAL OF THERMOPLASTIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS

1. R. Mat Taib
   1. School of Materials & Mineral Resources Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia; razaina@eng.usm.my

1. Z. A. Mohd Ishak
   1. School of Materials & Mineral Resources Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia

1. H. D. Rozman
   1. School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia 11800 Minden, Penang, Malaysia

1. W. G. Glasser
   1. Biobased materials/Recycling Center, Department of Wood Science and Forest Products, Virginia Tech Blacksburg Virginia 24061, USA

Abstract

Polypropylene-filled alkali-extracted steam-exploded Acacia mangium fiber (AEF–PP) composites are immersed in water at room temperature for three months. All composites, including those with maleated polypropylene (MAPP) are found to absorb water considerably. The results of tensile properties indicate that the properties deteriorate following water absorption. The addition of MAPP to the composite systems (AEF–PP–MAPP) does not help in retaining the tensile properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) examinations of the fracture surfaces of AEF–PP–MAPP composites reveal degradation of interfacial interaction. The composites, however, recover more than 90% of the tensile properties after oven treatment probably due to recovery of interfacial interaction as evident in scanning electron micrographs. The tensile properties recoveries for AEF–PP composites are fewer than for those with MAPP. Permanent damages in composite structures due to water absorption might account for this result.

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http://jtc.sagepub.com/content/19/5/475.abstract