Hossain M.K., Dewan M.W., Hosur M., Jeelani S.
Tuskegee University, US
Keywords: biopol, green composite, nanoclay, nanophased
Jute fiber reinforced biopol biocomposites with and without nanoclay were manufactured using treated and untreated jute fibers by a compression molding process and their durability study was performed using standard moisture absorption and flexure tests in this research. Surface modification of jute fibers was accomplished by performing chemical treatments including detergent washing, dewaxing, alkali, and acetic acid treatment. Using solution intercalation technique and magnetic stirring, 2%, 3%, and 4% by weight Montmorillonite K10 nanoclay were dispersed into the composites. Lower moisture absorption was observed in treated jute fiber reinforced biopol composites (TJBC) with nanoclay compared to TJBC and untreated jute fiber reinforced biopol composites (UTJBC) without nanoclay due to clay’s action as a moisture absorption barrier in the composites. Moisture absorption resulted in significant decrease in the flexural properties of the UTJBC and TJBC compared to the composites with nanoclay. Flexure tests showed 32% and 23% decrease in strength, and 21% and 21% decrease in modulus of the UTJBC and TJBC, respectively, for a conditioning period of 60 days. The respective values were 16% and 6% for 4% nanoclay infused TJBC.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2011: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites
Published: June 13, 2011
Pages: 620 - 623
Industry sectors: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing | Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
Topic: Personal & Home Care, Food & Agriculture
ISBN: 978-1-4398-7142-3