The influence of chemical surface modification of kenaf fiber using hydrogen peroxide on the mechanical properties of biodegradable kenaf fiber/poly(lactic acid) composites

Bleaching treatment of kenaf fiber was performed in alkaline medium containing hydrogen peroxide solution maintained at pH 11 and 80 °C for 60 min. The bleached kenaf fiber was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The bleached kenaf fiber was then co...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Abdul Razak, Nur Inani, Ibrahim, Nor Azowa, Zainuddin, Norhazlin, Rayung, Marwah, Saad, Wan Zuhainis
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI 2014
Online Access:http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/35727/1/The%20Influence%20of%20Chemical%20Surface%20Modification%20of%20Kenaf%20Fiber.pdf
Description
Summary:Bleaching treatment of kenaf fiber was performed in alkaline medium containing hydrogen peroxide solution maintained at pH 11 and 80 °C for 60 min. The bleached kenaf fiber was analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis. The bleached kenaf fiber was then compounded with poly-(lactic acid) (PLA) via a melt blending method. The mechanical (tensile, flexural and impact) performance of the product was tested. The fiber treatment improved the mechanical properties of PLA/bleached kenaf fiber composites. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) morphological analysis showed improvement of the interfacial adhesion between the fiber surface and polymer matrix.