Production, Characterization And Mechanical Evaluation Of Biocomposite Based On Banana Pseudostem Fibre And Agar

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Date
2018-01
Authors
Nongman, Abdul Fattah
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Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
The study was conducted to develop a method of making biocomposite boards based on banana pseudostem fibre and agar. Banana pseudostem fibre and agar were both grounded to powder form. Fibre and agar mixtures of various ratios (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, 40:60, 30:70, 20:80, 10:90 and 0:100) were prepared by dry-blending. Biocomposite boards were produced by using the hot press method. The effect of the ratio of fibre to agar on the properties of the biocomposite boards was studied. The biocomposite boards were also characterised using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The FTIR was done to examine any changes in the functional groups of the biocomposite boards produced. The thermal properties were analysed by TGA to observe their degradation temperature. From the FTIR dan TGA results, no signifcant changes observed in biocomposite board. The SEM analysis showed that voids were observed in the banana pseudostem fibres, the agar phase, and the spaces between the fibres. The water absorption increased with agar content but thickness swelling was otherwise. The mechanical properties of the boards showed a different trend as far as agar ratio was concerned. The tensile strength increased with agar ratio up to 50 and then dropped off. The tensile modulus, however, dropped off when the agar ratio was at 80. The internal bond strength showed similar as tensile strength, and both flexural modulus and strength dropped off at 70 agar ratio. The impact strength, however, did not show a clear dependence on the agar ratio in the biocomposites board.
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Keywords
Making biocomposite boards based on , banana pseudostem fibre and agar
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