Browsing by Author "A.S. Alabı"

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    CHARACTERIZATION OF UNTREATED AND TREATED GUINEACORN (SORGHUM BICOLOR) HUSK PARTICULATES
    (Journal for Institute of Polymer Engineers (JIPE) A Publication of Institute of Polymer Engineers (a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers), 2022-07) U. Shehu; R. Mat Taıb; U.S. Ishıaku; O. Aponbiede; A.S. Alabı
    Growing global environmental awareness has raised the utilization of natural fibers as reinforcements in polymers due to government regulations globally that encourage the development of eco-friendly, sustainable and biodegradable materials. This study aims to characterize guineacorn (Sorghum bicolor) husk particulates (GHP) to assess its suitability as reinforcement in production of bio-composites. Untreated (UNTRD), alkali (ALK), silane (SIL) and the combination of alkali and silane (ALKSIL) treated GHP were considered in the study; taking into cognizance the density, thermal stability and surface morphology of the GHP; using helium gas pycnometer, Perkin Elmer thermogravimetric analyzer and JOEL-JSM 5600 series scanning electron microscope respectively. The density of the UNTRD GHP was found to be 1.47 g/cm3, while those treated compared with the UNTRD GHP recorded percentage reduction in densities to the tune of 0.46 %, 1.19 % and 1.75 % for ALKSIL, ALK and SIL treated GHP respectively. The derivatives of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that both untreated and treated GHP were stable up to 340 °C. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that surface treatments removed surface impurities resulting in a clean, rough and coated GHP surface. It was concluded that GHP is suitable for reinforcement in bio-composites with the surface treatments further improving its surface roughness; a quality that could enhance the interfacial bonding of GHP with polymer matrices.