Effect of thermal degradation on the mechanical behaviour of green biocomposites packaging material

Ahmad Shukri, Norsuzila Azura (2024) Effect of thermal degradation on the mechanical behaviour of green biocomposites packaging material. Project Report. Melaka, Malaysia, Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka. (Submitted)

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Abstract

Biocomposite is the perfect solution to produce commercial packaging material because of its biodegradability and sustainability. However, when the biocomposite is exposed to heat it can degrade the bond between natural fibers and polymer matrix, reducing the biocomposite total stiffness and strength. This study investigated the effect of thermal degradation on the mechanical properties and crystallinity of the composite composed of Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Polybutylene Succinate (PBS), reinforced with pineapple leaf fiber (PALF). The PALF was undergoing fiber surface treatment which was an alkaline treatment. Pineapple leaf fiber was treated with 5% sodium hydroxide and underwent FTIR analysis to compare the chemical composition of PALF before and after treatment. The fabrication process of PLA/PBS reinforced pineapple leaf fiber was done by melt-mixing process and the sample was compressed into a specific dimension required in ASTM D790 for flexural test. After that, the sample was placed in the oven at 45°C, 55°C, and 60°C to determine the heat exposure effect on the flexural properties of the biocomposite for a duration of 3, 7, and 9 days. The crystallinity was checked through XRD at angles of 3°-90°. The result showed crystallinity increase degradation at a temperature of 60°C (3,7,9 days) one sharp peak was observed at 2θ= 16.2°. The angle represents the PLA in the biocomposite. This showed that crystallinity increased when temperature and duration increased. The crystallinity is improved by longer times and higher temperatures, which enable more extensive chain alignment. The flexural test showed a decrease in flexural strength and an increase in flexural modulus during exposure to a temperature of 45°C and both flexural strength and flexural modulus were decreased during exposure to a temperature of 55°C and 60°C. The interaction between the natural fiber filler and the polymer matrix affects the biocomposites' thermal stability causing the decrease in flexural strength and modulus. The flexural strength of EPS polystyrene ranged between 0.0750-3.00 MPA and the flexural modulus was 0.00628-0.0342. The range of flexural strength based on the study was from 0.393- 8.039 MPa and flexural modulus between 0.122 - 0.48 GPa. This showed that biocomposite has high flexural modulus and strength compared to EPS polystyrene material, making that sample suitable for packaging material in Abu Dhabi.

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