Nanoclay modified bio resin-based jute composites were prepared by thermopressing method to examine the effect of nanoclay on physical, mechanical, and biodegradation properties of jute-soy composite. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of composite was carried out to study the chemical interactions between jute-soy-nanoclay, whereas, x-ray diffractogram and transmission electron microscopic analysis revealed the formation of nanostructure at the composite interface. With 5 wt.% of clay contents, the tensile strength of the composite was 59.2 MPa, which is 65.4% higher than that of the clay-free jute-soy composite. The developed composite is thermally stable up to 280 C and increased in weight by only 41.66% after 24-h water immersion. Inclusion of 5 wt.% nanoclay enhanced storage modulus of nanocomposite from 1170 to 4136 MPa. Evaluation of degradability of composites under compost condition in terms of weight and tensile loss indicated that clay reinforced composites are more durable than jute-soy composite. Overall, a biodegradable composite material was developed which may be applied as nondegradable plastic alternate in packaging, railway coach, decorating materials, furniture, transport, and construction sector.

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Thermoplastic starch (TPS)/soy pulp (soy waste) composites (TSS) with varying compositions are successfully prepared in an internal mixer followed by compression molding. The mechanical, water absorption, and biodegradable properties of the developed composites are studied and compared with virgin TPS and cellulose reinforced TPS composites (TSC). Optimum tensile and flexural strength is observed for TSS and TSC composites with 10 wt.% soy waste and cellulose. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analyses indicated the interaction occurred between soy pulp/cellulose and TPS. Water absorptivity is found to increase from 6.2% to as high as 42.3% with the addition of 0 to 25 wt.% cellulose filler to the TPS matrix. Moreover, the soil burial degradation study shows higher degradability of the composites with a higher amount of soy pulp/cellulose. The developed composites show moderate mechanical properties with a hydrophobic and biodegradable nature. Therefore, there is a great possibility for these biocomposites to be utilized in applications such as disposable items, packaging materials, office cuboids, and transport sectors.

SynopsisA study of the influence of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on the graft copolymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) onto jute fiber using ceric ion has been made. The effect of concentrations of monomer, Ce(1V) and DMSO on graft yield have been studied. Besides, the effect of time, temperature, acid, and the amount of jute fiber on graft yield has been investigated. On the basis of experimental findings, a reaction mechanism has been proposed and optimum condition for effective grafting has been suggested.

In this work, both glass fabric and jute fabric reinforced nanoclay modified soy matrix-based composites were developed and characterized. Glass fabric (60 wt.%) reinforced composite showed maximum tensile strength of 70.2 MPa and thermal stability up to 202°C, which are 82.8% and 12.2% higher than those observed with corresponding jute composite. Water absorption and contact angle values of glass-soy specimens were tested, and found composites are water stable. Biodegradation study of composites under soil burial condition revealed that glass-soy composite with 40 wt.% glass fabric lost maximum 32.6% of its original weight after 60 days of degradation. The developed glass fabric-soy hybrid composites with reasonable mechanical, thermal, and hydrolytic stability can be used in different sectors as an alternative to the nondegradable thermoplastic reinforced glass fabric composites.