ABSTRACT
Due to environmental concerns and budgetary constraints associated with synthetic fibers, natural fibers (NFr) are becoming increasingly popular as reinforcement in polymer composites (PCs) for structural components and construction materials. The surface treatment (ST) method is a well-established technique for enhancing the strength of interfacial bonding between NFr and the polymer matrix (PM). As a result, this research aims to determine the effect of ST with zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) on the flexural properties of unsaturated polyester (UPE)/kenaf fiber (KF) nanocomposites. The hand lay-up technique was employed to produce KF-reinforced unsaturated polyester composites (KF/UPE) for this investigation. UPE/KF-ZnONPs composites were made with varying NFr loadings (weight percent), ranging from 10 to 40%. KF was treated with five distinct amounts of ZnONPs (from 1 to 5% weight percent). According to the findings of the investigation, the composite samples incorporating ZnONPs displayed superior optimum flexural properties compared to the untreated KF composite. It was found that 2% ZnONPs was optimal, and ST with ZnONPs could produce robust KF with improved flexural properties.
ABSTRACT
Many studies have been done using recycled waste materials to minimise environmental problems. It is a great opportunity to explore mechanical recycling and the use of recycled and virgin blend as a material to produce new products with minimum defects. In this study, appropriate processing parameters were considered to mould the front panel housing part using R0% (virgin), R30% (30% virgin: 70% recycled), R40% (40% virgin: 60% recycled) and R50% (50% virgin: 50% recycled) of Polycarbonate (PC). The manufacturing ability and quality during preliminary stage can be predicted through simulation analysis using Autodesk Moldflow Insight 2012 software. The recommended processing parameters and values of warpage in x and y directions can also be obtained using this software. No value of warpage was obtained from simulation studies for x direction on the front panel housing. Therefore, this study only focused on reducing the warpage in the y direction. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Genetic Algorithm (GA) optimisation methods were used to find the optimal processing parameters. As the results, the optimal ratio of recycled PC material was found to be R30%, followed by R40% and R50% materials using RSM and GA methods as compared to the average value of warpage on the moulded part using R0%. The most influential processing parameter that contributed to warpage defect was packing pressure for all materials used in this study.
ABSTRACT
The demand for natural fiber hybrid composites for various applications has increased, which is leading to more research being conducted on natural fiber hybrid composites due to their promising mechanical properties. However, the incompatibility of natural fiber with polymer matrix limits the performance of the natural fiber hybrid composite. In this research work, the mechanical properties and fiber-to-matrix interfacial adhesion were investigated. The efficiency of methyl methacrylate (MMA)-esterification treatments on composites' final product performance was determined. The composite was prepared using the hand lay-up method with varying kenaf bast fiber (KBF) contents of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 (weight%) and hybridized with glass fiber (GF) at 5 and 10 (weight%). Unsaturated polyester (UPE) resin and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) were used as binders and catalysts, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to examine the effects of MMA-esterification treatment on tensile strength and morphology (tensile fracture and characterization of MMA-esterification treatment) of the composite fabricated. The tensile strength of MMA-treated reinforced UPE and hybrid composites are higher than that of untreated composites. As for MMA treatment, 90 min of treatment showed the highest weight percent gain (WPG) and tensile strength of KBF-reinforced UPE composites. It can be concluded that the esterification of MMA on the KBF can lead to better mechanical properties and adhesion between the KFB and the UPE matrix. This research provides a clear reference for developing hybrid natural fibers, thus contributing to the current field of knowledge related to GF composites, specifically in transportation diligences due to their properties of being lightweight, superior, and involving low production cost.
ABSTRACT
Carbonized natural filler can offer the production of low cost composites with an eco-friendliness value. The evolving field of electronics encourages the exploration of more functions and potential for carbonized natural filler, such as by modifying its surface chemistry. In this work, we have performed surface modification on carbonized wood fiber (CWF) prior to it being used as filler in the ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) composite system. Zinc chloride (ZnCl2) with various contents (2 to 8 wt%) was used to surface modify the CWF and the effects of ZnCl2 composition on the surface morphology and chemistry of the CWF filler were investigated. Furthermore, the absorptive, mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the EVA composites containing CWF-ZnCl2 were also analyzed. SEM images indicated changes in the morphology of the CWF while FTIR analysis proved the presence of ZnCl2 functional groups in the CWF. EVA composites incorporating the CWF-ZnCl2 showed superior mechanical, thermal and electrical properties compared to the ones containing the CWF. The optimum content of ZnCl2 was found to be 6 wt%. Surface modification raised the electrical conductivity of the EVA/CWF composite through the development of conductive deposits in the porous structure of the CWF as a channel for ionic and electronic transfer between the CWF and EVA matrix.
