CHARACTERIZATION OF UNTREATED AND TREATED GUINEACORN (SORGHUM BICOLOR) HUSK PARTICULATES
CHARACTERIZATION OF UNTREATED AND TREATED GUINEACORN (SORGHUM BICOLOR) HUSK PARTICULATES
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2022-07
Authors
U. Shehu
R. Mat Taıb
U.S. Ishıaku
O. Aponbiede
A.S. Alabı
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal for Institute of Polymer Engineers (JIPE) A Publication of Institute of Polymer Engineers (a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers)
Abstract
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.
Description
Preprint Journal Article