The influence of chemically treated natural fibers in poly (lactic acid) composites containing thymol

The mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites incorporated with 30% w/w untreated kenaf (UK) or treated kenaf (TK) fibers was explored together with the inclusion of 5%–10% w/w thymol for potential antimicrobial packaging material applications. The TK fi...

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Main Authors: Mohamed Amin Tawakkal, Intan Syafinaz, J. Cran, Marlene, W. Bigger, Stephen
Format: Article
Published: John Wiley & Sons 2018
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author Mohamed Amin Tawakkal, Intan Syafinaz
J. Cran, Marlene
W. Bigger, Stephen
author_facet Mohamed Amin Tawakkal, Intan Syafinaz
J. Cran, Marlene
W. Bigger, Stephen
author_sort Mohamed Amin Tawakkal, Intan Syafinaz
collection UPM
description The mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites incorporated with 30% w/w untreated kenaf (UK) or treated kenaf (TK) fibers was explored together with the inclusion of 5%–10% w/w thymol for potential antimicrobial packaging material applications. The TK fiber composites had significantly higher tensile strength than those containing UK fibers. Scanning electron micrograph images showed a better adhesion between the TK fibers and the matrix was achieved resulting in improved reinforcement of the PLA/TK fiber composite. The neat PLA and composites containing 10% w/w thymol exhibited lower processing torque, tensile strength, and glass transition temperatures than those without thymol suggesting a possible lubricating and/or plasticizing effect. However, the incorporation of thymol into PLA at this level as well as into the composites did not influence the flexibility of the materials as a whole. Decomposition in compost progressed rapidly for neat PLA and PLA/thymol resulting in complete disintegration within 35 days. The presence of kenaf slightly inhibited the decomposition although complete disintegration of the composite was achieved within 48 days. The results suggest that PLA composites containing kenaf have the potential to be developed as rigid, compostable food packaging items such as trays from biodegradable and renewable resources.
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spelling upm.eprints-742122023-01-13T08:59:46Z http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/74212/ The influence of chemically treated natural fibers in poly (lactic acid) composites containing thymol Mohamed Amin Tawakkal, Intan Syafinaz J. Cran, Marlene W. Bigger, Stephen The mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) composites incorporated with 30% w/w untreated kenaf (UK) or treated kenaf (TK) fibers was explored together with the inclusion of 5%–10% w/w thymol for potential antimicrobial packaging material applications. The TK fiber composites had significantly higher tensile strength than those containing UK fibers. Scanning electron micrograph images showed a better adhesion between the TK fibers and the matrix was achieved resulting in improved reinforcement of the PLA/TK fiber composite. The neat PLA and composites containing 10% w/w thymol exhibited lower processing torque, tensile strength, and glass transition temperatures than those without thymol suggesting a possible lubricating and/or plasticizing effect. However, the incorporation of thymol into PLA at this level as well as into the composites did not influence the flexibility of the materials as a whole. Decomposition in compost progressed rapidly for neat PLA and PLA/thymol resulting in complete disintegration within 35 days. The presence of kenaf slightly inhibited the decomposition although complete disintegration of the composite was achieved within 48 days. The results suggest that PLA composites containing kenaf have the potential to be developed as rigid, compostable food packaging items such as trays from biodegradable and renewable resources. John Wiley & Sons 2018-05-02 Article PeerReviewed Mohamed Amin Tawakkal, Intan Syafinaz and J. Cran, Marlene and W. Bigger, Stephen (2018) The influence of chemically treated natural fibers in poly (lactic acid) composites containing thymol. Polymer Composites, 39 (4). 1261 - 1272. ISSN 1548-0569 https://4spepublications.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pc.24062 10.1002/pc.24062
spellingShingle Mohamed Amin Tawakkal, Intan Syafinaz
J. Cran, Marlene
W. Bigger, Stephen
The influence of chemically treated natural fibers in poly (lactic acid) composites containing thymol
title The influence of chemically treated natural fibers in poly (lactic acid) composites containing thymol
title_full The influence of chemically treated natural fibers in poly (lactic acid) composites containing thymol
title_fullStr The influence of chemically treated natural fibers in poly (lactic acid) composites containing thymol
title_full_unstemmed The influence of chemically treated natural fibers in poly (lactic acid) composites containing thymol
title_short The influence of chemically treated natural fibers in poly (lactic acid) composites containing thymol
title_sort influence of chemically treated natural fibers in poly lactic acid composites containing thymol
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