Natural Weathering of Kenaf Bast Fibre-Filled Poly(Butylene Succinate) Composites: Effect of Fibre Loading and Compatibiliser Addition |
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Authors: | M Z Ahmad Thirmizir Z A Mohd Ishak R Mat Taib S Rahim and S Mohamad Jani |
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Institution: | (1) School of Materials and Minerals Resources Engineering, Seri Ampangan Engineering Campus, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 14300 Nibong Tebal, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia;(2) Biocomposite and Wood Protection Programme, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), 52109 Kepong, Selangor, Malaysia; |
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Abstract: | Natural weathering was performed on poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and its kenaf bast fibre (KBF) filled composites by exposing
the specimens to a tropical climate for a period of 6 months (max–min temperature: 31.5–23.9 °C; relative humidity: 78.9%).
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of KBF loading and the addition of maleated PBS compatibiliser (PBSgMA)
on the performance of the composites under natural weathering. As expected, the flexural properties of both the uncompatibilised
and compatibilised composites dropped with increasing exposure time. The weathered specimens were also assessed by colour
change analysis, FTIR spectroscopy analysis and SEM examination. The total colour change, ΔE
ab
, of both the uncompatibilised and compatibilised composites increased with weathering time. FTIR spectroscopy analysis confirmed
the presence of oxidation products such as hydroxyl, carbonyl and vinyl species in the weathered uncompatibilised and compatibilised
composites. SEM examination revealed the presence of surface defects such as cracking, tiny holes and degraded fibre, which
explain the poor performance of the composites upon weathering. |
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