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
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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.
Description
Keywords
Making biocomposite boards based on , banana pseudostem fibre and agar