Thermal and Mechanical Characterization of Jute-Biopol Nanophased Green Composites
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Thermal and Mechanical Characterization of Jute-Biopol Nanophased Green Composites Mohammad K Hossain, Mohammad W Dewan, Mahesh Hosur and Shaik Jeelani Center for Advanced Materials (T-CAM), Tuskegee University 101 Chappie James Center, Tuskegee, AL 36088, U.S.A. ABSTRACT Surface modification of jute fibers was accomplished by performing chemical treatments including detergent washing, dewaxing, alkali, and acetic acid treatment. Morphology of modified surfaces examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed improved surfaces for better adhesion with matrix. Better thermal performance of treated fibers was found from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Enhanced tensile properties of treated fibers were obtained from tensile tests. Using solution intercalation technique and magnetic stirring, 2%, 3%, and 4% by weight Montmorillonite K10 nanoclay were dispersed into a biodegradable polymer, Biopol. Thermal performance of nanoclay infused Biopol characterized using dynamic scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed improved degree of crystallinity by 7%. Jute fiber reinforced Biopol biocomposites with and without nanoclay were manufactured using treated and untreated jute fibers by compression molding process. Thermal and mechanical responses of treated fiber reinforced Biopol composites (TJBC) without nanoclay evaluated using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and flexure tests showed 9% and 12% increase in storage modulus and flexure strength, respectively, compared to untreated jute fiber reinforced composites (UTJBC). The respective values were 100% and 35% for 4% nanoclay infused TJBC compared to UTJBC without nanoclay. INTRODUCTION Manufacturing of synthetic fiber composites not only consume huge energy but also their disposal at the end of the life cycle is very difficult since there is virtually no recycling option. Hence, the biocomposite industry is developing at a significant pace to meet growing consumer awareness and follow new environmental regulations [1]. Lignocellulosic bio-fibers derived from leaf, bast, fruit, grass or cane contribute to the strength of bio as well as synthetic polymer composites in various applications [2]. Elements of jute fibers are- cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and pectin. Cellulose is the main element of jute fiber, which is resistant to alkali but hydrolyzed in acid. Hemicellulose is hydrophilic, soluble in alkali, and easily hydrolyzed in acids. Lignins are amorphous and hydrophobic in nature. Pectins are like waxes that provide plant flexibility [3]. Jute fibers consist of –OH group which causes it to be susceptible to moisture and impairs the dimensional stability. These natural fibers do not efficiently adhere to non-polar matrices due to this polar group. To overcome this difficulty, these fibers should be modified chemically or physically [4]. Chemically modified surfaces decrease moisture absorption, and increase tensile strength [5-6] and wettability of fibers by matrix [7]. Various research groups have worked on biodegradable polymeric materials such as Bionolle,
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