Abstract
To come up with a biodegradable alternative in reducing the use of polymer-based materials, polypropylene (PP) and durian skin nanofibre (DSNF) were melt-blended in a Haake internal mixer before compression moulded into composite specimens. The composites were exposed under ultraviolet (UV) radiation to simulate the effect of sunlight. The significant effect of maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) was observed by the improvement recorded in tensile properties and reduction of water absorption in PP/DSNF composite. The colour index of composites increased with UV radiation exposure. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images showed DSNF was well-dispersed in PP matrix in the presence of MAPP.
Highlights
Natural fibre reinforced composite for external application might experience exposure to harsh environments with high humidity
The chemical treatment using maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) is one of methods to modify the hydrophilicity of natural fibre apart from strengthening the bonding between matrix and fibre (Joseph et al 2002)
Rhizopus oryzae is a type of fungi that is naturally occurred from the expired bread and its strain with reference collection of American type culture collection (ATCC)
Summary
Natural fibre reinforced composite for external application might experience exposure to harsh environments with high humidity. Biodegradable fibres are hydrophilic in nature and tend to attract water in air (Ahmad et al 2015). Celluloses present in the natural fibres are responsible for water uptake. In cellulosic cell wall fibre, the hydroxyl groups bond with water and hydrogen exhibit more tendencies to water. The higher volume fraction of fibre, the higher cellulose content, increase the moisture absorption. Jana and Zhong (2007) reported that during ambient condition, fungal may be developed on surface of flax fibre when expose to hygrothermal condition for only 3 days. The chemical treatment using maleic anhydride polypropylene (MAPP) is one of methods to modify the hydrophilicity of natural fibre apart from strengthening the bonding between matrix and fibre (Joseph et al 2002)
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