Improvement In Impact Strength Research Articles

Investigation of mechanical and thermal behavior of sisal fibre reinforced polymer biocomposites

In this study, biocomposites were developed with reinforced natural sisal (Agave sisalana) fibres by hand lay-up method. Sisal fibre loading was kept constant (30 wt%) with varying fibre lengths (5, 10, 15 and 20 mm) incorporated in epoxy composites to study their effects on mechanical and thermal properties. Mechanical testing (Tensile, Flexural and Impact) and thermal testing (Thermo-gravimetric analysis) were performed to identify mechanical properties and thermal stability. The specimens for tensile, flexural and impact test were taken as 165 mm × 20 mm × 3 mm, 80 mm × 13 mm × 3 mm and 65 mm × 13 mm × 3 mm respectively. A remarkable improvement in tensile, flexural and impact strength were noticed in composites incorporated with sisal fibres of 15 mm. The significant enhancement in tensile, flexural and impact strength was evaluated by 20.15%, 39.95% and 47.27% respectively as compared to neat epoxy composite. Higher thermal stability was also observed in 15 mm sisal fibre-reinforced composite.

Extraction of natural fibers of Catole coconut (Syagrus Cearensis): Application as reinforcing filler in polypropylene‐based composites

AbstractPolypropylene/Syagrus Cearensis fiber composites compatibilized with polypropylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA) and styrene(ethylene‐butylene)‐styrene copolymer (SEBS‐g‐MA) were successfully produced using a co‐rotating twin‐screw extruder followed by injection molding. The composites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical properties were determined by Izod impact and tensile testing. Thermal properties were obtained by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Heat deflection temperature (HDT) was determined to study the thermomechanical properties of the composites. XRD and DSC indicated the presence of two polypropylene polymorphs: α and β. The unmodified PP/Fiber composites showed an incompatible behavior, presenting low fiber/matrix interaction and poor interfacial adhesion. The poor compatibility led to low elongation at break and impact strength but high tensile strength. PP‐g‐MA coupling agent promoted some adhesion to the PP/fiber interfaces but not enough to improve the impact strength. The composites with PP‐g‐MA exhibited improved tensile modulus and strength. The enhanced PP/fiber interfacial interaction promoted by SEBS‐g‐MA generated a better interplay of mechanical properties, improving impact strength and elongation at break while preserving the elastic modulus and tensile strength. In general, the fibers enhanced the thermomechanical stability of PP, as evidenced by higher HDT values.

Synergistic Toughening of Epoxy Composite with Cellulose Nanofiber and Continuous Pineapple Leaf Fiber as Sustainable Reinforcements.

In this work, the effect of cellulose nanofiber (CNF) on the mechanical properties of long pineapple leaf fiber (PALF)-reinforced epoxy composites was investigated. The content of PALF was fixed at 20 wt.% and the CNF content was varied at 1, 3, and 5 wt.% of the epoxy matrix. The composites were prepared by hand lay-up method. Comparison was conducted between CNF-, PALF- and CNF-PALF-reinforced composites. It was found that the introduction of these small amounts of CNF into epoxy resin caused very small effects on flexural modulus and strength of neat epoxy. However, impact strength of epoxy with 1 wt.% CNF increased to about 115% that of neat epoxy, and, as the content of CNF increased to 3 and 5 wt.%, the impact strength decreased to that of neat epoxy. Observation of the fractured surface under electron microscope revealed the change in failure mechanism from a smooth surface to a much rougher surface. For epoxy containing 20 wt.% PALF, both flexural modulus and strength increased significantly to about 300% and 240% that of neat epoxy. The composite impact strength increased to about 700% that of the neat epoxy. For hybrid systems containing both CNF and PALF, there were few changes observed in both flexural modulus and strength compared to the PALF epoxy system. However, much improvement in impact strength was obtained. By using epoxy containing 1 wt.% CNF as the matrix, the impact strength increased to about 220% that of 20 wt.% PALF epoxy or 1520% that of neat epoxy. It thus could be deduced that the spectacular improvement in impact strength was due to the synergistic effect of CNF and PALF. The failure mechanism leading to the improvement in impact strength will be discussed.

Effect of Cymbopogan citratus Fibre on Physical and Impact Properties of Thermoplastic Cassava Starch/Palm Wax Composites.

Cymbopogan citratus fibre (CCF) is an agricultural waste plant derived from a natural cellulosic source of fibre that can be used in various bio-material applications. This paper beneficially prepared thermoplastic cassava starch/palm wax blends incorporated with Cymbopogan citratus fibre (TCPS/PW/CCF) bio-composites at different CCF concentrations of 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 wt%. In contrast, palm wax loading remained constant at 5 wt% concentration using the hot moulding compression method. TCPS/PW/CCF bio-composites were characterised in the present paper via their physical and impact properties. The addition of CCF significantly improved impact strength by 50.65% until 50 wt% CCF loading. Furthermore, it was observed that the inclusion of CCF resulted in a little decrement in biocomposite solubility compared to neat TPCS/PW biocomposite from 28.68% to 16.76%. Water absorption showed higher water resistance in the composites incorporating 60 wt.% fibre loading. The TPCS/PW/CCF biocomposites with different fibre contents had 11.04-5.65% moisture content, which was lower than the control biocomposite. The thickness of all samples decreased gradually with increasing fibre content. Overall, these findings provide evidence that CCF waste can be utilised as a high-quality filler in biocomposites due to its diverse characteristics, including improving the properties of biocomposites and strengthening their structural integrity.

Super-Tough PLA-Based Blends with Excellent Stiffness and Greatly Improved Thermal Resistance via Interphase Engineering.

Super-tough poly(lactic acid)/polycarbonate (PLA/PC) (50/50) blends with an excellent balance of stiffness, toughness, and thermal stability were systematically designed and characterized. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) was utilized as a novel, highly effective nonreactive interphase to promote PLA-PC phase compatibility. Partial miscibility of PMMA with both PLA and PC produced strong molecular entanglements across the PLA-PC phase boundary followed by an excellent phase adhesion. This was predicted from interfacial energy measurements and supported by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, morphological observations, and mechanical tests. Ternary PLA/PC/PMMA blends exhibited an exceptional set of stiffness, tensile and flexural strength, tensile and flexural ductility, and thermal stability together with improved impact strength compared with neat PLA and uncompatibilized PLA/PC blends. Addition of nonreactive polybutadiene-g-styrene-co-acrylonitrile (PB-g-SAN) impact modifier to the compatibilized blend resulted in further dramatic improvements in the dispersion state of PC and PMMA phase domains followed by the development of an interconnected structure of PC, PMMA, and PB-g-SAN domains in the PLA matrix. Such a network-like morphology, with rubbery particles percolated at the interface between the dispersed structures and surrounding PLA matrix, produced a tremendous increase in impact resistance (≈700 J/m) and tensile ductility (≈200% strain) while maintaining excellent stiffness (≥2.1 GPa). The combined effects of interfacial localization of impact modifier particles, network-like morphology (extended over the entire volume of the blend), and strong phase interactions between the components (due to mutual miscibility) are described to be responsible for super-tough behavior. The role of PMMA as an efficient interphase adhesion promoter in the toughened quaternary blends is also clarified. Impact fractography revealed multiple void formations, plastic growth of microvoids, and the formation of void-fibrillar structures around as well as inside the dispersed structures as the main micromechanical deformation processes responsible for massive shear yielding and plastic deformation of blends. Blends designed in this work offer remarkable improvements in tensile and flexural ductility, impact resistance, and heat deflection temperature compared with neat PLA resin. The overall characteristics of these blend systems are comparable and/or superior to those of several commercial thermoplastic resins.

Ultrahigh Flowability and Excellent Mechanical Performance of Glass Fiber/PA6 Composites Prepared by Hyperbranched Polymers

AbstractLightweighting of automotives is crucial for the decrease of fuel and energy consumption, as well as CO2 emission and environmental pollution. Polymer composites, especially the high strength glass fiber/polyamide (GF/PA) composites, have great potential in lightweight; however, they have not been universally accepted due to their insufficient performance. Here, a stearate‐ended hyperbranched polyester (HBP‐12‐n) is designed and high‐performance GF/PA6 composites with high GF content are prepared. The flowability of the composites can be further increased by combining carboxyl‐ended hyperbranched polymer (HyPer C181) with HBP‐12‐n. Compared with unmodified GF/PA6 composites, the melt flow index (MFI) can be increased remarkably to 587% by adding a 0.7 wt% mixture of HBP‐12‐75 and HyPer C181, and the strength and toughness remain competitive. The simultaneous improvement in MFI and impact strength of GF/PA6 composites is the first discovery of this kind, and a synergistic mechanism of amphiphilic bridging‐deformation slipping‐interfacial strengthening of hyperbranched polymers is proposed to account for this phenomenon. This work provides a simple strategy to fabricate GF/PA6 composites with the extensive application for automotive parts and has great prospects in making automotives lightweight and reduction of CO2 emissions.

Evaluation of Composites Reinforced by Processed and Unprocessed Coconut Husk Powder

Engineering activities aim to satisfy the demands of society. Not only should the economic and technological aspects be considered, but also the socio-environmental impact. In this sense, the development of composites with the incorporation of waste has been highlighted, aiming not only for better and/or cheaper materials, but also optimizing the use of natural resources. To obtain better results using industrial agro waste, we need to treat this waste to incorporate engineered composites and obtain the optimal results for each application desired. The objective of this work is to compare the effect of processing coconut husk particulates on the mechanical and thermal behavior of epoxy matrix composites, since we will need a smooth composite in the near future to be applied by brushes and sprayers with a high quality surface finish. This processing was carried out in a ball mill for 24 h. The matrix was a Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA)/triethylenetetramine (TETA) epoxy system. The tests that were performed were resistance to impact and compression, as well as the linear expansion test. Through this work, it can be observed that the processing of coconut husk powder was beneficial, allowing not only positive improvements to the properties of the composite, but also a better workability and wettability of the particulates, which was attributed to the change in the average size and shape of particulates. That means that the composites with processed coconut husk powders have improved impact strength (46 up to 51%) and compressive strength (88 up to 334%), in comparison with unprocessed particles.

Experimental Estimation of Energy Absorbed and Impact Strength of Kevlar/Basalt-Epoxy Interwoven Composite Laminate Added with Al2O3 Nanoparticles after High-Velocity Bullet Impact

The use of composites has increased exponentially in most industries, especially in the aerospace industry; the usage of composites has increased by almost 40% in the last 15 years. Aerospace components are often subject to high-impact loads, so it is important to use impact-resistant materials. Kevlar is known for its high-impact resistance and is commonly used as a fiber with various resins to achieve the desired properties. This paper mainly focuses on weaving Kevlar with basalt fiber in plain weave type by the traditional handloom weaving method. The epoxy resin, along with the harder, is then mixed with the aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3) in different percentages [1%-KB1, 3%-KB2, and 5%-KB3] to form the matrix. The laminate fabricated is then subjected to the high-velocity bullet impact of around 250 m/s. A steel hemispherical head projectile was used in the testing, and it was found to be penetrated through all the specimens making holes. The impact strength for all the different specimens was then estimated by calculating the bullet damage area and energy absorbed. The plate added with 3% Al2O3 nanoparticle was found to have improved impact strength when compared with the other two specimens. This plate can be used for bulletproof and other high-velocity impact applications.

Cationically Polymerized Epoxy and Radiation-Cured Acrylate Blend Nanocomposites Based on WS2 Nanoparticles Part B: Mechanical and Physical Properties

The radiation curing paradigm of opaque WS2 nanoparticle (NP)-based epoxy/acrylate nanocomposites was studied and found to exhibit both a reduction in viscosity and an enhanced degree of curing when incorporating WS2 NPs. The objective of this study was to investigate the mechanical, thermal, and physical properties of a radiation-induced and cured epoxy/acrylate blend containing 0.3 to 1.0 wt.% WS2 NPs. Experimental results indicate that the tensile toughness increased by 22% upon optimizing the NP content compared to that of WS2-free formulations. Tensile fractured surfaces with different WS2 NP contents were analyzed with a scanning electron microscope and an atomic force microscope and showed distinctive morphology depending on the WS2 NP content, supporting the results of the tensile test. The energy required to break shear adhesion specimens demonstrated an increase of up to 60% compared to that of the neat resin. The glass transition temperature determined by dynamic mechanical analysis presented similar or higher values upon WS2 NP incorporation. Furthermore, up to 80% improvement in impact strength was demonstrated when WS2 NPs were dispersed in the epoxy/acrylate blend. It was concluded that the surface chemistry and dispersion level of the WS2 NPs are the major variables affecting the macro properties of cationically radiation-cured resins and their adhesion properties. This study is the first to demonstrate the possibility for radiation-induced curing of opaque NPs based on WS2 that serve as both a reinforcement nanoparticle at low concentrations and an enhancement of the degree of curing.

Effect of addition of polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and zirconia particles on impact strength, surface hardness, and roughness of heat cure PMMA

Introduction: This study was designed to examine the effects of addition of the combination of polymerized polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and zirconia (ZrO2) particles to heat cure PMMA resin on impact strength, surface hardness, and roughness. Methods: The 70% (w/w) of polymerized PMMA powder (particle size: 0.70 µm) was mixed with 30% (w/w) of zirconia powder (ZrO2) (1 µm) to produce PMMA-ZrO2 filler. Ninety acrylic specimens created were divided into three groups containing 0% wt (Control group), 2% wt, and 4% wt, PMMA-ZrO2 filler. Ten specimens were used for impact strength, surface hardness and roughness test, blindly. Data were analyzed via one-way ANOVA and the Tukey post hoc test using R 3.6.3. Results: There was statistically significant difference among study groups regarding surface hardness and roughness (p < 0.001). Yet, nonsignificant difference was found on the subject of impact strength (p = 0.33). Post hoc test showed statistically significant difference for all pairwise comparisons as regards surface hardness and roughness (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The incorporation of PMMA-ZrO2 filler did not improve impact strength (resistance during an unexpected blows or dropping). Yet, increased surface roughness and hardness, concentration-dependently.

Effectiveness of Austempering Holding Time in Epoxidized-Transesterified Cotton Seed Oil Bath

The influence of austempering holding time on the mechanical properties and microstructures of high carbon (AISI 1070) steel using epoxidized transesterified cotton seed oil (ETO) as quenchant has been studied. Initially, steel samples were austenitized at 850°C for 1 hour, then quenched interruptedly in an oil bath maintained at 280°C at different holding times from 15-75 minutes at regular interval of 15 minutes. Subsequently, the samples were removed and air cooled to room temperature. Mechanical properties test and microstructural examination were carried out. Obviously, except at 75 minutes austempering period; the results revealed significant enhancement in tensile strength (1580 MPa) at long holding time. Additionally, higher improvement in hardness value (430 HBN) and impact strength (12.7 J/mm) at short time was noticed. In the SEM (scanning electron microscope) images, bainitic structure (acicular), retained austenite and martensite were observed. Accordingly, 15 minutes austempering condition produced austempered high carbon steel (HCS) with the best mechanical properties.

Investigation of cold cracking resistance of HSLA 950A steel by taguchi optimization technique

Cold cracking is one of the major issues during welding High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) 950A steel. The aim of the present research work is to optimize preheating temperature, the addition of oxide particles, and heat input using the Taguchi design of experiments for bead on plate, especially on the improved impact strength of weld metal. The experiments are carried out at three levels of mentioned parameters and Charpy impact strength is considered as a response. L27 orthogonal array is selected for experimentation in the present investigation using three parameters. An addition of vanadium oxide (V2O5) has acted as a nucleation site for acicular ferrite and enhanced the cold cracking resistance of investigated steel. The experimental results suggested that the impact strength of weldment is strongly influenced by pre-heating temperature (74.5%) and less influenced by oxide particle concentration (12.7%), and heat input (12.2%). Microstructure at HAZ revealed the presence of a small proportion of acicular ferrite of Widmanstatten morphology and upper bainite near weldment causes the reason for enhancement in cold cracking resistance. Fractographic examination revealed the presence of both ductile and brittle fracture modes, which attributed to higher and lower impact strength of weld joint respectively.

Effect of Incorporation of Boron Nitride Nanoparticles on Impact Strength and Surface Roughness of Heat Cure Poly Methyl Methacrylate Resin: An In Vitro Study

Background: The objective of this research was to explore how the addition of boron nitride (BN) nanoparticles in the concentrations of 1% and 1.5% w/w affect the impact strength and surface roughness of heat-cured poly methyl methacrylate resin (PMMA). Methods: Sixty specimens were made from heat-cured acrylic resin and then divided into control, 1%, and 1.5% w/w BN groups. The impact strength and surface roughness were investigated. One-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test were used for data analysis. Results: Statistically significant difference is found among the three study groups regarding impact strength (P = 0.011) and surface roughness test (P < 0.001). The post hoc test showed significant differences for all multiple comparisons for the surface roughness test (P < 0.001). Yet, multiple comparisons for the impact strength test revealed only a significant difference between the 1.5% BN and control groups (P = 0.005). Conclusion: The addition of boron BN into PMMA improves impact strength with 1.5% concentration; while adversely increase the surface roughness.

Elastic properties and strength criterion of reinforced composite

Woven composite materials are increasingly being used in various fields of modern technology. Unlike composites reinforced with straight fibers, they have a higher shear stress loading strength and improved impact strength characteristics. Woven composites have good technological properties. Blanks with carbon or glass fabrics are well laid out on tooling in the manufacture of thin-walled structural elements of complex shapes. The technological advantages of woven composite materials have determined the economic feasibility of their widespread use in the aviation industry and the automotive industry. The paper presents a numerical method for identifying the elastic and strength characteristics of woven carbon fiber based on the results of a micromechanical analysis of a representative volume based on the known properties of the matrix and fibers. Numerical experiments on uniaxial tension in the x, y, and z axes directions have been carried out. Modeled shift in three coordinate planes. The strength characteristics of the representative volume of the composite under conditions of tension and compression in three directions, shifts in three planes, and three biaxial tensions are determined.

Morphological, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Polybutylene Tetrephthalate‐Polyester Based Thermoplastic Polyurethane Blends

AbstractPolybutylene tetrephthalate (PBT)‐polyester based thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blends with varying percentages of TPU (10 %, 20 %, 30 %, 40 %) were prepared in order to improve impact strength of PBT to enhance its applications. The blends were prepared by melt mixing using a twin screw extruder. Based on morphological images, impact strength analysis and dynamical mechanical analysis, TPU was well dispersed in PBT polymer matrix. Studies using Differential Scanning Calorimetry indicate a decrease in crsytallinity on addition of 30 % TPU in PBT. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrates that addition of TPU in PBT matrix increases the char content. PBT and TPU have a good interfacial adhesion, according to SEM investigations. Mechanical characteristics demonstrate that the inclusion of TPU in PBT matrix resulted in a significant increase in impact strength of about 208 %, with minor changes in tensile strength and tensile modulus. Change in glass transition temperature of the optimised blend was measured using DMA.

Impact strength improvement of adhesively bonded structures using natural date palm tree fibers

Four different types of natural date palm tree fibers (DPTFs), including Rachis, Petiole, Bunch, and Mesh, were used as short fibers added to single lap adhesive joints subjected to quasi static and impact loading. The results show that the fibers have a remarkable effect on the static and impact strengths of the joints. Adding 2 wt% and 5 wt% of Bunch fibers to the adhesive layer impressively increased the impact strength by 196% and 62%, respectively. The analysis of fracture surfaces showed that DPTFs make the crack propagation more stable and increase the strength and the damping capacity of the joints.

Evaluation of crystallinity, thermal, mechanical and morphological features of high density polyethylene composites reinforced with crosslinked semifluorinated acrylate polymer microspheres

This study mainly aims both to prepare well-shaped crosslinked 3,3,4,4,5,5,6,6,7,7,8,8,8 tridecafluorooctyl-4-(acrloyloxy) benzoate (ABCF13) polymer microspheres and to investigate the influences of the prepared microspheres addition on the crystallinity, thermal, mechanical and morphological features of high density polyethylene (HDPE). The suspension polymerization method was used for the production of well-defined microspheres and, the content of the microspheres varied from 1.0% to 10.0% in the composites. The characterization of crosslinked poly(ABCF13) microsphere-loaded HDPE composites were performed via powder X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimeter, universal mechanical (tensile and impact) testers and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. According to the experimental findings, a and b unit cell parameters increased initially and reached maxima with the sample including 5.0% microsphere, which were followed by dramatic decreases, while c parameter remained relatively unchanged. Thermal analysis also showed that the melting temperature of HDPE reduced with the initial loading of the microspheres, then stayed at a plateau value of about 129°C due to the formation of lattice distortions, generation of microstructural disorders and the defects in the crystal structures. The mechanical test results revealed that there existed considerable improvements in tensile strength, modulus and impact strength. The maximum tensile strength 25.66 MPa, elastic modulus 499.30 MPa and maximum absorbed energy in the impact test 26.84 kJ/m2 (29%, 42% and 41% improvement, respectively) were achieved with the blend involving 5.0% microsphere. After the maxima, the mechanical characters depicted weakening trend as the microsphere content increased in the matrix. The SEM analyses revealed that although there existed fibrillar formations in all samples, the extensions decreased with the increase of the microsphere content. While ductile behavior was observed with the formation of long-bulky extensions at low contents, brittleness started to prevail at high contents with some short and thin fibrils.

Reinforcement Effects of Shear Thickening Fluid over Mechanical Properties of Nonwoven Fabrics.

Conventional personal protective equipment is usually made in multilayer stacks, and appears clumsy and uncomfortable, offering limited protection. In recent years, a newly-developed nanosuspension, shear thickening fluids (STFs), has been commonly applied to buffer and shock absorption. In this study, nonwoven fabrics are impregnated with 30 wt%, 35 wt%, or 40 wt% STF in order to strengthen the interaction among fibers. The resultant STF composite nonwoven fabrics are observed for their morphology, and tested for their tensile strength, tearing strength, bursting strength, and dynamic impact resistance, thereby examining the damage resistance of the materials. The SEM images indicate that the fibers are adhered with a tremendous amount of silicon dioxide (SiO2) particulates with a rise in the STF concentration, due to which the smooth fibers become rough. Moreover, the mechanical test results indicate that a rise in the STF concentration improves the frictional force during the relative motion of fibers, which subsequently mechanically strengthens the STF composite nonwoven fabrics. The dynamic impact test results show that when the STF concentration increases from 30 wt% to 35 wt%, the materials exhibit dynamic impact strength that is significantly improved to 51.9%. Nonetheless, significant improvement in dynamic impact strength is absent when the STF concentration increases to 40 wt%. To sum up, a critical value of STF concentration has a positive influence over the mechanical strengths of STF composite nonwoven fabrics.

Improvement in thermal stability, elastic modulus, and impact strength of Poly(lactic acid) blends with modified polyketone

We herein report the effect of modified polyketone (PK) on the microstructure, thermal stability, mechanical modulus, and impact strength of poly(lactic acid) (PLA). For this purpose, glycidyl methacrylate-grafted polyketone (PKGMA) was fabricated via in-situ melt-compounding and it was melt-mixed with pristine PLA to obtain PLA-dominant blends with 10–50 wt% PKGMA loadings. The electron microscopic images revealed that PLA/PKGMA blends showed a well-compatibilized microstructure with submicron-sized PKGMA domains in the continuous PLA matrix phase, unlike an immiscible PLA/PK blend. The infrared spectroscopic and melt-rheological analyses confirmed the specific intermolecular interactions and chemical reactions between PLA and PKGMA components in the blends. The differential scanning calorimetric data and X-ray diffraction patterns showed that the PKGMA component serves as a nucleating agent for the crystallization of PLA in the blends. The thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the thermal decomposition temperatures and residues of PLA/PKGMA blends were noticeably improved, compared to pristine PLA and an immiscible PLA/PK blend. The dynamic mechanical analysis exhibited that the elastic storage moduli of PLA/PKGMA blends were higher than that of pristine PLA. Furthermore, the Izod impact strength of PLA blends increased with the PKGMA loading. The PLA blend with 50 wt% PKGMA was found to have a maximum impact strength of ∼286.4 J/m, which was ∼94% higher than that (∼147.5 J/m) of pristine PLA. • GMA-grafted polyketone (PKGMA) is fabricated by a facile in-situ melt-mixing. • PLA/PKGMA blends exhibit a highly compatibilized morphological feature. • PLA-g-PKGMA is formed during melt-compounding of PLA/PKGMA blends. • There exist specific interactions between PLA and PKGMA in the blends. • PLA/PKGMA blends have enhanced thermal stability, elastic modulus, and impact strength.

Synergistic effect of microcrystalline cellulose from oil palm empty fruit bunch waste and tricresyl phosphate on the properties of polylactide composites

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) waste by integrated chemical treatments of delignification, bleaching, and acidic hydrolysis. The obtained MCC (OPMC) and tricresyl phosphate (TCP) were used as additives for polylactide (PLA) composites. The influences of OPMC and TCP contents, separately and in combination, were evaluated on the properties of the composites. Characterization studies confirmed the successful extraction of OPMC from OPEFB waste. With regard to the properties of the PLA composite, the appropriate content of OPMC should be 5 phr. The good distribution of OPMC in the polymer matrix changed the failure behavior of the composite from brittle to ductile. All the PLA composites with TCP and OPMC showed flame inhibition and retarded ignition. The synergistic effect of TCP and OPMC resulted in outstanding improvement of impact strength and flame retardancy of composites. The impact toughness of PT10M5 increased to about 218.4 % and 72.3 % that of neat PLA and PT0M5, respectively. Moreover, PT10M5 achieved V-0 rating with high LOI (38.5 %). All these characteristics promise extended applications for PLA composite in bio, circular, and green (BCG) economies and electronics industries.