Effect of electron beam irradiation and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) addition on mechanical properties of polycaprolactone with empty fruit bunch fibre (OPEFB) composite

Abstract

Abstract. Biodegradable composites or green composites were prepared by melt blending technique using polycaprolactone and oil palm empty fruit bunch fibre (OPEFB). Since OPEFB is not compatible with PCL a binder, poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), (PVP) was used to improve the interaction between PCL and OPEFB. The composites produced were irradiated using electron beam to improve the mechanical properties. The tensile, flexural and impact strengths of PCL/OPEFB composites were improved by addition of 1% by weight of PVP and irradiated with 10 kGy of electron beam. The FTIR spectra indicate a slight increase of frequencies at C=O peaks from 1730 to 1732 cm -1 after irradiation indicates some interaction between C=O and O-H. The surface morphology of the facture surface obtained from tensile test shows no fibre pull out indicating good adhesion between the OPEFB and PCL after addition of PVP.

Polylactic Acid/Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber Biocomposite:Influence of Alkaline and Silane Treatment on the Mechanical Properties

“…However, this can be improved by using chemical modification of the fiber, either by chemical solution [7] or free radical reaction [12], use of modified thermoplastic containing a compound capable of interacting with the fiber [13], or addition of a third component (a compatibiliser) with the ability to interact simultaneously at the interface with the thermoplastic and the fiber [14], [15].…”

Mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and thermal characterization of fly ash and nanostructured fly ash‐waste polyethylene/high‐density polyethylene blend composites

“…This implies better stiffness and strength in the composite system [29]. This decrease in the elongation at break values with irradiation of the composites was explained by Jamal et al [24] in case of HDPE/EPDM-OMMT composites which are due to reduced segmental mobility of the polymer chains and also increase in the cross linked density that hindered the extension of chains resulting in lower elongations.…”

“…Similarly, for irradiated WH-NFA composite, the flexural modulus and hardness increased significantly from 1986 to 3011 MPa (52%) and 50 to 74 (48%), in comparison to that of WH-NFA composite. Such increase in flexural modulus and hardness owes to the process of bond crosslinking which is prevalent than scission in the composite system that makes the composites stiffer [24,29].…”

Industrial Applications of Ionizing Radiation

“…Likewise a composite based on poly(ε-caprolactone), a biodegradable matrix reinforced by oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber, was cured by EB using polyvinyl pyrolidone as adhesion promoter and exhibited good mechanical properties and bond between matrix and reinforcing fiber [130].…”