A pre-mold study of alkaline-silane treated EFB-PP composites based on thermal and rheological analysis
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2023
Abstract
Rheological and thermal properties are important parameters to understand the role of the numerous variables involved in manufacturing and to achieve a high-quality final product. The composites were prepared by compounding polypropylene (PP) with treated (alkaline and silane) oil-palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fiber using a twin screw extruder. Generally, regardless of fiber loading, the thermal stability of EFBPP composites was increased after using alkaline and silane-treated EFB fibers as reinforcement. DSC analysis shows that there is a change in the melting temperature (T-m) and the degree of crystallinity (X-c) values of the EFB composites. The melt flow rate (MFR) of the composites decreased while viscosity increased with an increase in fiber loading. Rheological analysis reveals the composites to have a viscoelastic solid behavior where storage modulus (G') is greater than loss modulus (G''). The composites exhibit predominantly viscous behaviour (G'' > G') at lower frequencies, whereas at higher frequencies the composites exhibit elastic behavior (G' > G''). The decrement of complex viscosity (?*) with an increasing angular frequency (?) shows the materials exhibit shear thinning behavior. The composites also show the ability for regeneration when analyzed using time-dependent behavior.
Keywords
Alkaline, Silane treatment, Extrusion, Injection molding, Natural fiber composite, Rheology, Thermal properties
Divisions
CHEMISTRY
Funders
SATU [Grant no. ST043‐2021],Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia [Grant no. FRGS/1/2022/STG04/UM/02/7],Universiti Malaya
Publication Title
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
Volume
140
Issue
40
Publisher
John Wiley & Sons
Publisher Location
111 RIVER ST, HOBOKEN 07030-5774, NJ USA