Effects of fungal biodegradation on structure–property relationships of medium density fibre board and hybrid polypropylene composite made from sugar-cane residue

Abstract

This paper reports an in-depth comparative study on the effects of Trametes versicolor on sugar-cane residue polypropylene composite and medium density fibre board. The samples were subjected to the fungus at 25°C and 75% relative humidity either for 2 or 4 months. Mass, bending strength, elastic modulus, hardness, and equilibrium moisture content (EMC) of both products reduced, while water absorption and thickness swelling increased due to biodegradation. The rates of mass, bending strength, elastic modulus, hardness, and EMC reductions, and water absorption and thickness swelling increases in MDFs were far higher than those of the composites, indicating the lesser susceptibility of the latter samples. Elastic modulus of the composites and hardness of MDFs were more adversely affected under fungal attack, whereas hardness underwent higher rates of reduction in the composites, as compared to the other properties. Scanning electron microscopy was conducted to characterise the alterations in mechanical properties.

Discovering the Global Landscape of Wood Preservatives

“…One of the most harmful types of wood-decay is caused by the brown-rot fungi, which is also a basidiomycete, the second category of wood-decaying organisms that can metabolise cell wall polysaccharides. Additionally, the third category of wood-rotting fungi consists of the ascomycete soft-rot fungi, which can degrade both cell wall polysaccharides and lignin (Nadali et al, 2021). Therefore, it is necessary to lessen wood's hygroscopicity, enhance its dimensional stability and avoid attacks from biological organisms that cause decay by using wood preservatives.…”

Effects of nanoclay cloisite 20A and alkali treatments on structure-property relationships of bagasse/recycled polypropylene nanocomposites

“…81 Furthermore, the alkali-induced fibrillation in PMBA composites could increase fiber surface areas bonding with the other composite components (i.e., compatibilizer and polypropylene). [82][83][84][85] There is a marked difference in the fracture surfaces of PMBANc composites with those of the other composite formulations (Figure 3(d)). The whole surface is fairly uniform and smooth showing a good fiber-polymer wetting.…”

Advanced natural fibre-based fully biodegradable and renewable composites and nanocomposites: a comprehensive review

“…Lignin has recently gained the attention of academics and industry as a versatile alternative for the fossil-based reinforcements used in the production of high-performance biocomposites. The general properties of lignin include hydrophobicity, amorphous structure, antibacterial and antioxidant properties, suffice functional groups, processibility, rich carbon content, chemical reactivity with different chemicals, good thermal stability, proper mechanical, rheological and viscoelastic properties as well as high volumes of production as the residue of different papermaking processes (Le Digabel and Avérous 2006; Nadali et al 2021). Biocomposites were manufactured from lignin and switchgrass-based polybutylene succinate via melt compounding, and the effects of polymeric methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (pMDI), isocyanate-terminated polybutadiene prepolymer (ITPB), and organic peroxide on the mechanical, chemical, and thermal properties of the green composites were studied.…”