MECHANICAL, BIODEGRADABILITY AND MORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES ON STEARIC ACID TREATED OKRA BAST FIBER - CASTOR OIL MODIFIED POLYESTER MATRIX COMPOSITE
MECHANICAL, BIODEGRADABILITY AND MORPHOLOGICAL STUDIES ON STEARIC ACID TREATED OKRA BAST FIBER - CASTOR OIL MODIFIED POLYESTER MATRIX COMPOSITE
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Date
2017
Authors
Bello, T. K.
Isa, M. T.
Abu, U. O.
Abubakar, M. N.
Erubasa, P. O.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Institute of Polymer Engineers (JIPE)
Abstract
Plant based natural fibers are fast gaining attention worldwide in areas of composites application because of their lightweight, low cost,
biodegradability, eco-friendly nature and sustainability properties. However, as the interests in fiber reinforced composites continue to grow, combined studie son physical, mechanical and biodegradability investigations of composites produced from natural okra bast fibers are sparse in literature. Therefore, this work aimed at the study of the physical, mechanical and biodegradability properties of Okra bast fiber-polyester composite. The okra bast fiber treated with stearic acid reinforced the castor oil modified matrix. Stearic acid was added to ethyl alcohol solution and treated with 10% by weight of fiber while castor oil was varied from 0% to 2% (at 0.5% interval) on the polyester resin. The composite was fabricated by a hand-layout of the okra bast fiber and the polyester matrix poured onto it and compressed in a mould. Physical and mechanical properties such as water absorption, hardness, elongation and modulus of elasticity were carried out on the produced composites samples. Bio-degradability studies coupled with infrared, thermogravimetric and morphological analyses were carried. Castor oil concentration of 1% had the highest modulus of elasticity, hardness and water resistance properties. Biodegradability was evident in the composite
materials buried for 80 days while the thermal analysis revealed anti-biodegradability property of castor oil on the composite. This double test method therefore establishes a potential in material development within physical, mechanical, thermal and biological environments.
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