Investigation of Sorption and Mechanical Properties of Anacardium Occidentale L. Exudate/Polystyrene Blends

Abstract

This research employed the technique of melt blending to successfully blend commercial polystyrene (PS) with purified cashew gum (PCG) and induce biodegradation on the resulting polymer blend. Water sorption tests on the resulting polymer blends were investigated according to ASTM D0570 standard. Also tensile, hardness and charpy impact tests were conducted according to ASTM D3039, ASTM D2240-89 and ASTM 370 standards respectively. There was an observed increase in density with increase in PCG composition. The maximum density recorded was 0.996gcm^(-3). The water sorption analysis show that DS (degree of swelling) and WL (weight loss) increase with PCG concentration to a maximum value of 100% recorded for the sample 20%PS/80%PCG. The tensile test results indicate a general decrease in Young’s modulus, tensile strength and percentage elongation with increase in the percentage of PCG. Also hardness test results based on the Rockwell F – scale indicate an improvement in mechanical strength with increase in PCG composition. The sample with composition 30%PS/70%PCG has the highest hardness value of 69.1 HRF. While the results of charpy impact test indicate a general decrease in impact strength as the concentration of PCG in PS increases with a minimum value of 2272.72Jm^(-2) for the composition 20%PS/80%PCG.