Optimization of the alkali treatment on the tempo‐modified cellulosic nanoreinforcement in autoclaved epoxy matrix

Abstract

AbstractInvestigators increased interest in composites with novel natural fibers beholds significant progress globally over the past decade. Moringa oleifera seed filler is among the few newly known novel fiber‐rich in cellulose and meagrely used in commercial industries. This research article used a broad characterization of 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidine 1‐oxyl (TEMPO)‐modified Moringa oleifera cellulosic nanoreinforcement/epoxy composites to verify its potential as a feasible substitute for synthetic fibers in polymer composites. Composites were fabricated at a fixed filler size of 300–500 nm with a loading of 15 wt% untreated and alkali‐treated composites through the two processes: hand lay‐up followed by autoclave curing. The properties, such as, static and dynamic mechanical properties and thermal stability, have been studied for untreated and treated composites. Composites with 5 wt% alkali treatment TEMPO‐modified nano‐cellulosic filler (TMCF) loading possesses superior water resistance, interfacial surface chemistry, and mechanical property compared to autoclaved epoxy and the untreated composite. Four isoconversional methods, Friedman, Coats‐Redfern, Broido, and Kissinger, were utilized to investigate the degradation behavior and kinetic parameters like activation energy of composites. Composites that have been 5 wt% mercerized exhibit greater thermal resilience and activation energy of 250 kJ/mol, which is 20% greater than the untreated sample. This study validates the 5 wt% alkali treated TMCF as a novel sustainable and bio‐reinforcement in polymer composite for semi‐structural applications.