Surface modification of oil palm fruit bunch and fibre reinforcement effect on bio-based polyester matrix composites Dynamic, morphological, thermal and mechanical properties

Title 

Surface modification of oil palm fruit bunch and fibre reinforcement effect on bio-based polyester matrix composites

Dynamic, morphological, thermal and mechanical properties

1. Author 
2. Suresh Dhandapani1⇑
3. Sanjay K Nayak1
4. Smita Mohanty2

1. ¹Advanced Research School for Technology and Product Simulation, Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
2. ²Laboratory for Advanced Research in Polymeric Materials, Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India

1. Suresh Dhandapani, Advanced Research School for Technology and Product Simulation, Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology, Chennai 600032, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: dsureshpoongunam@gmail.com

Abstract

In this study, our focus is on the compatibility behaviour of bio-based polyester blend with the addition of surface-modified oil palm fruit bunch fibres (OPFBFs). The surface of OPFBF has been modified using alkali, silane and acetic anhydride solutions. Surface-modified fibres are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analyses to identify the functionality, adhesion and phase morphology. Untreated and treated fibres are incorporated in the bio-based polyester blend with about 30% of fibre content. Surface-modified fibre biocomposites exhibit improved interaction between the polymer matrix and the fibre. Oil palm fibre-reinforced biocomposites exhibit enhanced thermal, mechanical and morphological properties with incorporation of surface-treated fibre. The OPFBF also acts as a reinforcement filler and adhesion material for the polyester blend.

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http://jep.sagepub.com/content/early/2015/04/08/0095244315580458.abstract