Universiti Teknologi Malaysia Institutional Repository

Mechanical and thermal properties of oil palm empty fruit bunch-filled unplasticized poly (vinyl chloride) composites

Abu Bakar, Aznizam and Hassan, Azman and Mohd Yusof, A. F. (2005) Mechanical and thermal properties of oil palm empty fruit bunch-filled unplasticized poly (vinyl chloride) composites. Polymers & Polymer Composites, 13 (6). pp. 607-618. ISSN 0967-3911

[img]
Preview
PDF (Abstract)
169kB

Abstract

Awareness of the advantages of natural fibres has stimulated interest in their use to reinforce polymers. One type of natural fibre that is of great relevance to Malaysia is oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB). To produce EFB-filled unplasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) composites, PVC resin and the various additives were first dry-blended using a laboratory blender before being milled into sheets on a two-roll mill. Test specimens were then hot pressed, alter which the mechanical and thermal properties were determined. Four untreated EFB fibre contents were employed, 10, 20, 30 and 40 phr. The increase in EPB fibre content resulted in an improvement in flexural modulus at the expense of impact strength and flexural strength. The incorporation of EFB slightly enhanced the glass transition temperature but it decreased the thermal stability of the composites, evidenced by a decrease in decomposition temperature and a change in the degradation process from two to three stages.

Item Type:Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:Mechanical properties, oil palm empty fruit bunch, thermal properties, unplasticized poly (vinyl chloride) composites
Subjects:T Technology > T Technology (General)
Divisions:Chemical and Natural Resources Engineering
ID Code:5541
Deposited By: Norhani Jusoh
Deposited On:11 May 2008 10:24
Last Modified:01 Jun 2010 15:32

Repository Staff Only: item control page