Research Output
Polylactic Acid (PLA) Bio-Composite Film Reinforced with Nanocrystalline Cellulose from Napier Fibers
The effect of nanomodified epoxy on the tensile and flexural properties of Napier fiber reinforced composites
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Publication
Napier grass fibre was utilized for the development of biocomposite through nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC). NCC was generated by 64 wt% sulphuric acid in the hydrolysis cycle with 60 min time reaction. Biocomposite in film form has been prepared by mixing Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and NCC using a method of solvent casting. In manufacturing of biocomposite films, NCC with different composition (0, 3, and 6 wt%) was used. The result of XRD analysis displayed an increase of crystallinity for PLA/NCC film compared to pure PLA film. However, PLA/NCC film with 6 wt% content of NCC (PLA/NCC-6) exhibited the highest percentage of crystallinity (69%). The chemical interaction of the structure between the NCC filler and the polymer matrix was studied using FTIR which confirmed by the presence of hydrogen bonding and the same trend of spectra was observed due to existence of PLA. PLA/NCC-3 demonstrated the lowest water absorption (0.37%) compared to pure PLA and PLA/NCC-6 film.
Publication
The tensile, flexural, and morphological properties of Napier fiber reinforced nanomodified epoxy composites were investigated. Untreated and alkali-treated Napier fibers, as well as nanoclay and epoxy resin, were used to fabricate Napier fiber reinforced nanomodified epoxy composites by using cold press compression machines. Napier fiber was treated with 5% dilute sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution for 6 h. Varying amounts of nanoclay filler (3, 5, and 10 wt%) were mixed with the epoxy resin prior to fabricating the Napier fiber reinforced nanomodified epoxy composites. The results of mechanical testing indicated that the alkali-treated Napier fiber reinforced nanomodified epoxy composites incorporating 5 wt% nanoclay exhibited the highest flexural and tensile properties. Morphological analysis was then conducted to further analyze the fractured specimens following the mechanical tests. The scanning electron microscope images of the Napier fiber reinforced nanomodified epoxy composites that contained 5 wt% nanoclay revealed good interfacial bonding between the matrix and the reinforcement.