Search

Natural fiber plastic composites were made from Nigerian grown bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) by extrusion and evaluated for strength, sorption and thermal properties. Composites were manufactured using two different screened bamboo particle size fractions (<2 mm and < 0.5 mm). The composites were tested for flexural properties, water sorption, melt flow and thermal properties. The melt viscosities at 190oC were 22.3 ± 0.91 kPa·s (<2 mm) and 27.4 ± 1.2 kPa·s (<0.5 mm). The results obtained indicated that the composites made with the smaller particle size fraction had higher flexural strength (37.4 ± 1.0 MPa) and modulus of elasticity (2.0 ± 0.2 GPa) than those made with the larger particle size fraction (29.9 ± 1.1 MPa and 1.7 ± 0.1 GPa). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) also showed higher dynamic storage modulus for the <0.5 mm particle-based composites than those made from the <2 mm particle size fraction due to higher density and better interfacial interaction between the fiber and matrix. Also, the composites made with the smaller particles and were more dimensionally stable (water absorption of 5.4% versus 18.5% at 61 d). The bamboo composites had thermal stablility range of 265 – 279oC (onset degradation temperature). The composites made with the smaller bamboo particles possessed the better properties in comparison with those made from the <2 mm. Particle size and density significantly affected the mechanical, physical, thermal and rheological properties of the composites evaluated. Keywords: Bambusa vulgaris, flexural properties, natural fiber plastic composites, particle size

Natural fiber plastic composites were made from Nigerian grown bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) by extrusion and evaluated for strength, sorption and thermal properties. Composites were manufactured using two different screened bamboo particle size fractions (<2 mm and < 0.5 mm). The composites were tested for flexural properties, water sorption, melt flow and thermal properties. The melt viscosities at 190oC were 22.3 ± 0.91 kPa·s (<2 mm) and 27.4 ± 1.2 kPa·s (<0.5 mm). The results obtained indicated that the composites made with the smaller particle size fraction had higher flexural strength (37.4 ± 1.0 MPa) and modulus of elasticity (2.0 ± 0.2 GPa) than those made with the larger particle size fraction (29.9 ± 1.1 MPa and 1.7 ± 0.1 GPa). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) also showed higher dynamic storage modulus for the <0.5 mm particle-based composites than those made from the <2 mm particle size fraction due to higher density and better interfacial interaction between the fiber and matrix. Also, the composites made with the smaller particles and were more dimensionally stable (water absorption of 5.4% versus 18.5% at 61 d). The bamboo composites had thermal stablility range of 265 – 279oC (onset degradation temperature). The composites made with the smaller bamboo particles possessed the better properties in comparison with those made from the <2 mm. Particle size and density significantly affected the mechanical, physical, thermal and rheological properties of the composites evaluated. Keywords: Bambusa vulgaris, flexural properties, natural fiber plastic composites, particle size

Natural fiber plastic composites were made from Nigerian grown bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) by extrusion and evaluated for strength, sorption and thermal properties. Composites were manufactured using two different screened bamboo particle size fractions (<2 mm and < 0.5 mm). The composites were tested for flexural properties, water sorption, melt flow and thermal properties. The melt viscosities at 190oC were 22.3 ± 0.91 kPa·s (<2 mm) and 27.4 ± 1.2 kPa·s (<0.5 mm). The results obtained indicated that the composites made with the smaller particle size fraction had higher flexural strength (37.4 ± 1.0 MPa) and modulus of elasticity (2.0 ± 0.2 GPa) than those made with the larger particle size fraction (29.9 ± 1.1 MPa and 1.7 ± 0.1 GPa). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) also showed higher dynamic storage modulus for the <0.5 mm particle-based composites than those made from the <2 mm particle size fraction due to higher density and better interfacial interaction between the fiber and matrix. Also, the composites made with the smaller particles and were more dimensionally stable (water absorption of 5.4% versus 18.5% at 61 d). The bamboo composites had thermal stablility range of 265 – 279oC (onset degradation temperature). The composites made with the smaller bamboo particles possessed the better properties in comparison with those made from the <2 mm. Particle size and density significantly affected the mechanical, physical, thermal and rheological properties of the composites evaluated. Keywords: Bambusa vulgaris, flexural properties, natural fiber plastic composites, particle size

Natural fiber plastic composites were made from Nigerian grown bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) by extrusion and evaluated for strength, sorption and thermal properties. Composites were manufactured using two different screened bamboo particle size fractions (<2 mm and < 0.5 mm). The composites were tested for flexural properties, water sorption, melt flow and thermal properties. The melt viscosities at 190oC were 22.3 ± 0.91 kPa·s (<2 mm) and 27.4 ± 1.2 kPa·s (<0.5 mm). The results obtained indicated that the composites made with the smaller particle size fraction had higher flexural strength (37.4 ± 1.0 MPa) and modulus of elasticity (2.0 ± 0.2 GPa) than those made with the larger particle size fraction (29.9 ± 1.1 MPa and 1.7 ± 0.1 GPa). Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) also showed higher dynamic storage modulus for the <0.5 mm particle-based composites than those made from the <2 mm particle size fraction due to higher density and better interfacial interaction between the fiber and matrix. Also, the composites made with the smaller particles and were more dimensionally stable (water absorption of 5.4% versus 18.5% at 61 d). The bamboo composites had thermal stablility range of 265 – 279oC (onset degradation temperature). The composites made with the smaller bamboo particles possessed the better properties in comparison with those made from the <2 mm. Particle size and density significantly affected the mechanical, physical, thermal and rheological properties of the composites evaluated. Keywords: Bambusa vulgaris, flexural properties, natural fiber plastic composites, particle size

The feasibility of using rattan canes (Laccosperma secundiflorum and Eremospatha macrocarpa) as reinforced fillers for high density polyethylene based plastic composite production was investigated. Extruded composites were tested for water sorption, tensile and thermal properties. The results obtainedindicated that the rattan composites were dimensionally (water absorption: 2,2-21,4% thickness swell: 0,9-5,3%) and thermally stable (Tc: 116,8-118,2°C) and possessed adequate tensile properties (7,3-21,7 MPa). Composites made from L. secundiflorum had higher strength and thermal properties but lowersorption values compared to those of E. macrocarpa. Differences in the densities of the composites and the anatomical structures of the rattans seemed to influence properties of the composites.

The feasibility of using rattan canes (Laccosperma secundiflorum and Eremospatha macrocarpa) as reinforced fillers for high density polyethylene based plastic composite production was investigated. Extruded composites were tested for water sorption, tensile and thermal properties. The results obtainedindicated that the rattan composites were dimensionally (water absorption: 2,2-21,4% thickness swell: 0,9-5,3%) and thermally stable (Tc: 116,8-118,2°C) and possessed adequate tensile properties (7,3-21,7 MPa). Composites made from L. secundiflorum had higher strength and thermal properties but lowersorption values compared to those of E. macrocarpa. Differences in the densities of the composites and the anatomical structures of the rattans seemed to influence properties of the composites.

The feasibility of using rattan canes (Laccosperma secundiflorum and Eremospatha macrocarpa) as reinforced fillers for high density polyethylene based plastic composite production was investigated. Extruded composites were tested for water sorption, tensile and thermal properties. The results obtainedindicated that the rattan composites were dimensionally (water absorption: 2,2-21,4% thickness swell: 0,9-5,3%) and thermally stable (Tc: 116,8-118,2°C) and possessed adequate tensile properties (7,3-21,7 MPa). Composites made from L. secundiflorum had higher strength and thermal properties but lowersorption values compared to those of E. macrocarpa. Differences in the densities of the composites and the anatomical structures of the rattans seemed to influence properties of the composites.

The feasibility of using rattan canes (Laccosperma secundiflorum and Eremospatha macrocarpa) as reinforced fillers for high density polyethylene based plastic composite production was investigated. Extruded composites were tested for water sorption, tensile and thermal properties. The results obtainedindicated that the rattan composites were dimensionally (water absorption: 2,2-21,4% thickness swell: 0,9-5,3%) and thermally stable (Tc: 116,8-118,2°C) and possessed adequate tensile properties (7,3-21,7 MPa). Composites made from L. secundiflorum had higher strength and thermal properties but lowersorption values compared to those of E. macrocarpa. Differences in the densities of the composites and the anatomical structures of the rattans seemed to influence properties of the composites.

The popularity and demand for wood plastic composites (WPC) has focused research on fiber properties associated with performance. In this study, maple wood fibers (WF) were ball milled and classified into discrete size fractions. Fiber analyses showed only three distinct WF size classes (80-100, 100-200 and <200 mesh). High density polyethylene (HDPE) based WPC were made from classified WF (10 to 50%). The effect of WF size, loading, and maleated polyethylene (MAPE) coupling agent on WPC rheological behavior (torque rheometry and melt flow rate (MFR)) and flexural properties were examined. The WPC MFR decreased with wood loading, increased with a reduction in WF size. The modulus of rupture (MOR) was shown to increase with a reduction in WF size and increase with the addition of MAPE. The increase in MOR is likely due to an increase in the interfacial interaction between the polymer and WF. Modulus of elasticity (MOE) was shown to increase with an increase in wood loading and decrease with a decrease in WF size. The toughness of the WPC was shown to increase with a decrease in WF size and increase upon addition of MAPE.

The popularity and demand for wood plastic composites (WPC) has focused research on fiber properties associated with performance. In this study, maple wood fibers (WF) were ball milled and classified into discrete size fractions. Fiber analyses showed only three distinct WF size classes (80-100, 100-200 and <200 mesh). High density polyethylene (HDPE) based WPC were made from classified WF (10 to 50%). The effect of WF size, loading, and maleated polyethylene (MAPE) coupling agent on WPC rheological behavior (torque rheometry and melt flow rate (MFR)) and flexural properties were examined. The WPC MFR decreased with wood loading, increased with a reduction in WF size. The modulus of rupture (MOR) was shown to increase with a reduction in WF size and increase with the addition of MAPE. The increase in MOR is likely due to an increase in the interfacial interaction between the polymer and WF. Modulus of elasticity (MOE) was shown to increase with an increase in wood loading and decrease with a decrease in WF size. The toughness of the WPC was shown to increase with a decrease in WF size and increase upon addition of MAPE.

The popularity and demand for wood plastic composites (WPC) has focused research on fiber properties associated with performance. In this study, maple wood fibers (WF) were ball milled and classified into discrete size fractions. Fiber analyses showed only three distinct WF size classes (80-100, 100-200 and <200 mesh). High density polyethylene (HDPE) based WPC were made from classified WF (10 to 50%). The effect of WF size, loading, and maleated polyethylene (MAPE) coupling agent on WPC rheological behavior (torque rheometry and melt flow rate (MFR)) and flexural properties were examined. The WPC MFR decreased with wood loading, increased with a reduction in WF size. The modulus of rupture (MOR) was shown to increase with a reduction in WF size and increase with the addition of MAPE. The increase in MOR is likely due to an increase in the interfacial interaction between the polymer and WF. Modulus of elasticity (MOE) was shown to increase with an increase in wood loading and decrease with a decrease in WF size. The toughness of the WPC was shown to increase with a decrease in WF size and increase upon addition of MAPE.

The popularity and demand for wood plastic composites (WPC) has focused research on fiber properties associated with performance. In this study, maple wood fibers (WF) were ball milled and classified into discrete size fractions. Fiber analyses showed only three distinct WF size classes (80-100, 100-200 and <200 mesh). High density polyethylene (HDPE) based WPC were made from classified WF (10 to 50%). The effect of WF size, loading, and maleated polyethylene (MAPE) coupling agent on WPC rheological behavior (torque rheometry and melt flow rate (MFR)) and flexural properties were examined. The WPC MFR decreased with wood loading, increased with a reduction in WF size. The modulus of rupture (MOR) was shown to increase with a reduction in WF size and increase with the addition of MAPE. The increase in MOR is likely due to an increase in the interfacial interaction between the polymer and WF. Modulus of elasticity (MOE) was shown to increase with an increase in wood loading and decrease with a decrease in WF size. The toughness of the WPC was shown to increase with a decrease in WF size and increase upon addition of MAPE.

This study investigated weathering effects on polyvinyl chloride (PVC) based wood plastic composites (WPC), with a focus on the color and structure that is attributed to the material composition. It is directed towards quantifying the main chemical modifications, such as carbonyl and vinyl groups which are formed during weathering. These composites were subjected to three weathering regimes: exterior, accelerated xenon-arc, and accelerated UVA. The change in color was monitored using colorimetry. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to identify and quantify the chemical modifications (carbonyl formation and vinyl propagation) due to weathering. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy was employed to observe the physical morphological changes that occurred. The results showed that exterior and accelerated xenon-arc and UVA weathering regimes increased the degree of lightness, total color change, carbonyl concentration, and wood loss on the surfaces of the weathered composites. The increased carbonyl concentration during weathering implied that degradation had occurred by oxidation process. Also, oxidation and lignin (from the wood) degradation influenced the color (lightness) of PVC based WPC upon weathering., Pub. in Journal Polym Environment, v18, p57-64, 2010. Sponsored in by USDA grant 2005-35103-15243.