Abstract
In this century, the development of nano-sized filler from biomass material has become the main focus of industries in achieving their final green composite product for a wide range of applications. From a commercial and environmental point of view, fragmentation and downsizing of waste lignocellulosic fibers without chemical treatments into small size particles is a viable option. In this study, an attempt was made to produce nano-sized lignocellulosic fillers from date palm micro fibers via mechanical ball milling process at intense 99 cycles run (equivalent to 25 h). The resultant nanofillers as well as the microfibers were characterized in details by various analytical techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size analysis (PSA), Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to assess their structure—property relationship. From microscopy examination, the nanofillers showed a heterogeneous mix of irregular shaped particles, and while having a size ranging of 30–110 nm in width and 1–10 mm length dimensions. Also, the crystallography analysis revealed the crystallinity had mildly declined from microfibers (71.8%) to nanofiller (68.9%) due to amorphization effect. As for thermal analysis, the nanofillers exhibited high heat resistance at 260.8 °C decomposition temperature. Furthermore, the nanofillers also had stable thermo-changing behavior by presenting low heat enthalpy change (40.15 J/g) in its endothermic reaction for breaking organic bonds. The thermal results suggest its suitability for composite fabrication process at high temperature. Thus, the produced nanofillers can be used as a low cost reinforcing agent in the future for versatile polymer-based composite systems.
Highlights
Due to the growing awareness regarding environmental concerns and the reduction of finite petroleum products, alternatives to synthetic materials are being actively sought
The resultant nanofillers as well as the microfibers were characterized in details by various analytical techniques, including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size analysis (PSA), Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to assess their structure— property relationship
The crystallography analysis revealed the crystallinity had mildly declined from microfibers (71.8%) to nanofiller (68.9%) due to amorphization effect
Summary
Due to the growing awareness regarding environmental concerns and the reduction of finite petroleum products, alternatives to synthetic materials are being actively sought. Pollution, energy intensive fabrication processes, recycling and waste management are some of the issues associated with synthetic fibers and subsequent composites. Considerable activities have been devoted towards research and development of such materials [1]. New policies are strongly focusing on the renewables alternatives materials to reduce the environmental issues associated with synthetic materials. These policies are supporting the effective use of bio-composites produced from various natural fibers. The future prospects for bio-composites are based on the balance between performance, economics and sustainability [3]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
