Hossain M.K., Dewan M.W., Hosur M., Jeelani S., Rangari V.
Tuskegee University, US
Keywords: biodegradable, biopol, green, Jute, nanoclay, nanocomposite
The surface modification of jute fibers was accomplished by performing subsequent chemical treatments such as detergent washing, dewaxing, alkali and acetic acid treatment. The morphology of the modified surface was examined using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermal performance of the treated fibers was studied using the state-of-the-art thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results of FTIR spectra of different fabrics are illustrated in Figure 1. The hydrogen bonded O-H stretching vibration was common to all of the spectra. However, a strong and sharp peak at 1050 cm-1 was observed for the raw, detergent-washed and ethanol-washed jutes that might be attributed to >C=O stretching vibration of hemicelluloses. In the spectrum of final treated jute, the >C=O peak was almost disappeared due to significant reduction of O-H groups. The TGA results (Figure 2) of the finally treated jute fiber and biodegradable polymer poly (3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) exhibited close degradation temperature that is near to 230°C. It is also noticed that finally treated jute fiber contains only 4% moisture and the higher amount of cellulose, which is a promising result for proper surface wetting and bonding with the matrix.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2010: Advanced Materials, CNTs, Particles, Films and Composites
Published: June 21, 2010
Pages: 697 - 700
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topics: Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications, Composite Materials
ISBN: 978-1-4398-3401-5