Foamed articles based on potato starch, corn fibers and poly(vinyl alcohol)

Single-use packaging materials made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) have been identified as suitable items to be replaced by biodegradable materials. Plates made with EPS represent a source of non-degradable waste that is difficult to collect and to recycle. Potato starch based foamed plates have been prepared by a baking process. Presently, foam plates have been prepared by baking aqueous mixtures of potato starch, corn fibers, and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) inside a hot mold. The effects of the addition of corn fibers, a co-product of bio-ethanol production, on mechanical properties and moisture resistance of potato starch based foamed plates were investigated. The addition of corn fiber to potato starch batter increased baking time and an increased batter volume is needed to form a complete tray. The mechanical properties of the trays decreased with added corn fiber. In previous studies PVA has been added as aqueous solution to improve strength, flexibility, and water resistance of baked starch trays. In this study, 88% hydrolyzed PVA was added as a powder in the mixture, avoiding the time consuming and costly step of pre-dissolving the PVA. The addition of PVA to potato starch batters containing corn fiber mitigated the reduction in tensile properties seen in trays with added corn fiber. Starch-based trays produced with a high fiber ratio and PVA, showed improved water resistance.     

Environmentally degradable bio-based polymeric blends and composites

Blends and composites based on environmentally degradable-ecocompatible synthetic and natural polymeric materials and fillers of natural origin have been prepared and processed under different conditions. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was used as the synthetic polymer of choice by virtue of its capability to be processed from water solution or suspension as well as from the melt by blow extrusion and injection molding. Starch and gelatin were taken as the polymeric materials from renewable resources. The fillers were all of natural origin, as waste from food and agro-industry consisted of sugar cane bagasse (SCB), wheat flour (WF), orange peels (OR), apple peels (AP), corn fibres (CF), saw dust (SD) and wheat straw (WS). All the natural or hybrid formulations were intended to be utilized for the production of: a) Environmentally degradable mulching films (hydro-biomulching) displaying, in some cases, self-fertilizing characteristics by in situ spraying of water solutions or suspensions; b) Laminates and containers to be used in agriculture and food packaging by compression and injection molding followed by baking. Some typical prototype items have been prepared and characterized in relation to their morphological and mechanical properties and tested with different methodology for their propensity to environmental degradation and biodegradation as ultimate stage of their service life. A relationship between chemical composition and mechanical properties and propensity to biodegradation has been discussed in a few representative cases.     

Preparation of starch-based biocomposites reinforced with mercerized lignocellulosic fibers: Evaluation of their thermal,morphological, mechanical,and biodegradable properties

In the present paper, starch-based biocomposites have been prepared by reinforcing corn starch matrix with mercerized Abelmoschus esculentus lignocellulosic fibers. The effect of fiber content on mechanical properties of composite was investigated and found that tensile strength, compressive strength, and flexural strength at optimum fiber content were 69.1%, 93.7% and 105.1% increased to that of cross-linked corn starch matrix, respectively. The corn starch matrix and its composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis. The fiber reinforced composites were found to be highly thermal stable as compared to natural corn starch and cross-linked corn starch matrix. Further, water uptake and biodegradation studies of matrix and composites have also been studied.     

Banana fiber-reinforced biodegradable soy protein composites

Banana fiber, a waste product of banana cultivation, has been used to prepare banana fiber reinforced soy protein composites. Alkali modified banana fibers were characterized in terms of density, denier and crystallinity index. Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were also performed on the fibers. Soy protein composites were prepared by incorporating different volume fractions of alkali-treated and untreated fibers into soy protein isolate (SPI) with different amounts of glycerol (25%–50%) as plasticizer. Composites thus prepared were characterized in terms of mechanical properties, SEM and water resistance. The results indicate that at 0.3 volume fraction, tensile strength and modulus of alkali treated fiber reinforced soy protein composites increased to 82% and 963%, respectively, compared to soy protein film without fibers. Water resistance of the composites increased significantly with the addition of glutaraldehyde which acts as cross-linking agent. Biodegradability of the composites has also been tested in the contaminated environment and the composites were found to be 100% biodegradable.     

Effect of Chemical Treatment and Fiber Loading on Mechanical Properties of Borassus (Toddy Palm) Fiber/Epoxy Composites

The aim of the present study was to investigate and compare the mechanical properties of untreated and chemically modified Borassus fiber–reinforced epoxy composites. Composites were prepared by the hand lay-up process by reinforcing Borassus fibers with epoxy matrix. To improve the fiber-matrix adhesion properties, alkali (NaOH) and alkali combined with silane (3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane) treatment of the fiber surface was carried out. Examinations through Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were conducted to investigate the structural and physical properties of the Borassus fibers. Tensile properties such as modulus and strength of the composites made with chemically modified and untreated Borassus fibers were studied using a universal testing machine. Based on the experimental results, it was found that the tensile properties of the Borassus-reinforced epoxy composites were significantly improved as compared with the neat epoxy. It was also found that the fiber treated with a combination of alkali and silane exhibited superior mechanical properties to alkali-treated and untreated fiber composites. The nature of the fiber/matrix interface was examined through SEM of cryo-fractured samples. Chemical resistance of composites was also found to be improved with chemically modified fiber composites.     

Synthesis and characterization of hydroxyapatite-poly-(vinyl alcohol) based nanocomposites for their perspective use as bone substitutes

The present work adds to the continuing efforts of designing a natural bone like structure. In these studies the hydroxyapatite (HA) impregnated polymeric composites of polyacrylamide (PAm) and poly-(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) have been synthesized by free radical polymerization for the purpose of studying their blood compatibility, water sorption behavior mechanical properties, and porosity. The prepared PAm-PVA-HA composites were characterized using techniques like fourier transform spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction studies, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The composites were also evaluated for mechanical properties like compressive strength and modulus.     

Mechanical properties, crystallization and melting behaviors of carbon fiber-reinforced PA6 composites

Polyamide-6 (PA6)/carbon fiber (CF) composites were prepared by melt-extrusion via continuous fiber fed during extruding. The mechanical, thermal properties, and crystallization behavior of PA6/CF composites were investigated. It was found that the tensile modulus and strength of the composites were increased with the addition of CF, while their elongations at break were decreased. Scanning electron microscopy observation on the fracture surfaces showed the fine dispersion of CF and strong interfacial adhesion between fibers and matrix. Dynamic mechanical analysis results showed that the storage modulus of PA6/CF composites was improved with the addition of CF. Non-isothermal crystallization analysis showed that the CF plays a role as nucleating agent in PA6 matrix, and the α-form crystalline structure was favorable in the PA6/CF composites, as confirmed from the X-ray diffraction analysis. A trans-crystallization layer around CF could be observed by polarizing optical microscopy, which proved the nucleation effect of carbon fiber surface on the crystallization of PA6. The thermal stability of PA6/CF composites was also enhanced.     

Bioinspired Green Composite Lotus Fibers

Owing to the growing global environmental problems, demands for environmentally friendly, fully biodegradable sustainable composites have substantially increased across various industries. Inspired by the composite structure of cocoon silk, we fabricated a fully green composite fiber (GCF) that is based on the lotus fiber (LF) and a biodegradable polymer, namely poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). After the formation of cross‐linkages between the LF and PVA, the mechanical properties of this bioinspired GCF had substantially improved. In particular, the specific mechanical properties are superior to those of cocoon silk and other natural fibers. These findings suggest that LFs may be used as reinforcement materials for the fabrication of bulk green materials for various industries, such as the textile, medical, automobile, and aerospace industries.     

The effect of silica morphology on properties of PVA/silica nano-composites

Two kinds of poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA)-silica composites were prepared with different methods. One composite was prepared by directly mixing PVA with 80 nm silica nano-particles which were made from tetraethoxysilane(TEOS). The another was obtained by the mixing PVA and hydrolyzed TEOS in the presence of acid-catalyst. The properties of the two PVA/silica hybrids were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy(SEM), UV-Visible spectroscopy,solubility tests, limiting oxygen index(LOI) test, tensile test and dynamical mechanical analysis(DMA), respectively. The results indicate that PVA-TEOS composites(PT for short) display more transparency than PVA-silica nano-particles hybrids(PS for short). At the same time, The PT composites presented more excellent performance than PS in water resistance, fire resistance and mechanical properties. Moreover, the Tg of PT increased with increasing TEOS content, while that of PS decreased.     

纳米羟基磷灰石/胶原复合材料制备方法比较研究

低温下,通过将水热合成的纳米羟基磷灰石浆料与中性胶原溶胶共混和在中性胶原中原位形成羟基磷灰石两种方法制备羟基磷灰石／胶原复合材料,采用XRD、FTIR、扫描电镜、透射电镜和力学性能测试等方法对两种复合材料的特性进行了表征。通过对两种方法制备的复合材料的特性进行比较,发现两种方法均制备得到了纳米羟基磷灰石／胶原复合材料,复合材料在晶相组成、化学组成、纳米羟基磷灰石晶体尺寸、胶原纤维的结构等方面都与天然骨相似。但原位合成纳米羟基磷灰石晶体的结晶度比水热合成的纳米羟基磷灰石更接近于自然骨,原位合成的羟基磷灰石／胶原复合材料的均匀性、界面结合紧密度、力学性能等方面均优于共混法。原位合成法是改善纳米羟基磷灰石／胶原复合材料均匀性和力学性能的有效方法。     

Investigation into hemp fiber- and whisker-reinforced soy protein composites

Whiskers, designated as W, were prepared from hemp fibers. Both fibers and whiskers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate the dimensions of the fibers and whiskers, respectively. By incorporating different weight fraction of the fibers and whiskers into soy protein isolate, we prepared two different composites designated as SC and SC-W, respectively. Thiodiglycol was used as a plasticizer for the preparation of composites. The SC and SC-W composites were characterized and compared in terms of mechanical properties, volume fraction of porosity, and water uptake. The results indicated that there was not much significant difference in the properties of the composites. In fact, mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced composites were higher than whisker-reinforced composites at optimum weight fractions. This study can give us the idea about the judicious use of fibers or whiskers as reinforcement materials.     

Swelling and Reswelling Characteristics of Cross-Linked Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Chitosan Hydrogel Film

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), hydrogel was prepared by using glutaraldehyde as a cross-linking agent. The blend semi-synthetic hydrogel film, consisting of PVA and chitosan, was prepared from a solvent-casting technique and characterized for their intermolecular interactions using infrared method. The swelling and reswelling behaviors, as well as mechanical properties of the synthetic and semi-synthetic gels were examined by weighing and tensile testing, respectively. Cross-linking the two types of polymer with glutaraldehyde produces a film with lower crystallinity and smaller swelling and reswelling degrees, but having improved mechanical properties. Also, the two types of films show a pH-dependent swelling characteristic. It was found that, the reswelling properties of synthetic hydrogels can be improved by blending PVA with certain ratio of natural polymer. This blending film, can be improve sandy soil properties for cultivation, such as, controlled release of water.     

细菌纤维素(BC)增强PVA/PVP复合水凝胶的制备及性能表征

通过冷冻-熔融法制备了细菌纤维素/聚乙烯醇/聚乙烯吡咯烷酮(BC/PVA/PVP)双网络复合水凝胶,并采用X射线衍射,红外光谱,扫描电镜,力学性能测试等手段对凝胶的结构和性能进行表征.研究发现PVA、PVP通过氢键作用均匀地吸附于纤维微丝周围,将BC纤维有效地分开,因而干燥后的复合凝胶在热水中浸泡后仍可恢复原状;X射线...     

Investigation into ramie whisker reinforced arylated soy protein composites

Whiskers were prepared from ramie fibers and were characterized using atomic force microscopy to evaluate their dimensions. SPI/whiskers composites (SW) were prepared by incorporating different weight contents (wt.%) of the whiskers into soy protein isolate (SPI). Thiodiglycol was used as a plasticizer for the preparation of SW composites. The SW composites were arylated with 2,2-diphenyl-2-hydroxyethanoic acid through the process of “dip-coating” and coded as SW-B. In this paper, the characterization of SW and SW-B composites, such as their morphologies, mechanical properties, thermal stability, optical transmittance, and water uptake, are discussed. The results indicated substantial improvement in the water resistance, thermal stability, and the modulus of the SW-B composites after arylation due to the formation of hydrophobic diphenylhydroxymethane (DPHM) microparticles on the surface. This work provides a novel method to increase the water resistance of protein based composites.     

纳米羟基磷灰石/聚乙烯醇/明胶复合材料的结构和力学性能

采用机械共混法、原位化学合成法、原位水热法制备了一系列纳米羟基磷灰石/聚乙烯醇/明胶(n-HA/PVA/GEL)复合材料;利用X射线衍射仪、透射电镜及傅立叶变换红外光谱仪等分析了复合材料的结构;利用材料试验机测定了复合材料的力学性能.结果表明,利用原位水热法可使n-HA有效地在PVA高分子中均匀分散,并提高n-HA颗粒...     

Thermal,Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Composites Developed from Glycerol and Dicarboxylic Acids Reinforced with Piassava Fiber

Summary: Vegetable fibers are being widely used as reinforcement in polymer composites. These composites can be applied in several fields, such as automotive, packaging and even construction. The polymer matrix used was synthesized from glycerol with phthalic and terephthalic acids in order to open future perspectives in the use of glycerin generated from the production of purified biodiesel. Composites with 2, 5, 10 wt% untreated and treated piassava fiber were obtained. Thermal, morphological and mechanical properties were evaluated. The tensile stress-strain curve of the polyester synthesized and composites was typical of a ductile material. SEM of the surface of fracture showed that the adhesion between fiber and matrix was enhanced after chemical treatment. However, the fiber content was more efficient than the superficial treatment when incorporated into the matrix. Therefore, the material under study is promising for the industrial marketplace, due to its good compatibility with natural fibers.     

Mechanical Properties and Chemical Resistance of Short Tamarind Fiber/Unsaturated Polyester Composites: Influence of Fiber Modification and Fiber Content

In the present work, tamarind fibers were extracted from ripened fruits by the water retting process. Using these fibers as reinforcement and unsaturated polyester as matrix, composite samples were prepared by the hand lay-up technique. The effect of chemical surface treatments (alkali and silane) of tamarind fibers on the mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and interfacial bonding was studied. The mechanical properties of the composites with surface modified fibers were found to be higher than those with unmodified fibers. Morphological studies indicated improvement of interfacial bonding by alkali and silane coupling agent treatments of the fibers. The composites were found to be resistant to many chemicals.     

Surface modification of carbon fiber via electron‐beam irradiation grafting

In this paper, the surface properties of polyacrylonitrile‐based carbon fibers is improved by electron‐beam (EB) irradiation in maleic anhydride/acetone solution at 100, 150, 200 and 150 KGy. Experimental study of this paper is carried out to identify surface topography, surface chemical composition and functional groups, adsorption ability and interface properties of CF/epoxy composites. The results reveal that the roughness of carbon fiber surface is increased obviously after modification by EB irradiation grafting technology. The ratio value of O/C and the relative content of oxygen functional groups on fiber surface are improved effectively, comparing with the unmodified carbon fiber. Besides, adsorption of carbon fiber on epoxy and the mechanical performance of CF/epoxy composites are clearly enhanced after irradiation grafting modification. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Alignment effect of attapulgite on the mechanical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)/attapulgite nanocomposite fibers

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/attapulgite (AT) nanocomposite fibers have been prepared by wet spinning. The morphology and mechanical properties of the modified PVA fibers have been characterized with transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), birefringence measurements, and mechanical testing. The PVA/AT nanocomposite fibers show much higher tensile strength, initial modulus, and work to break than pure PVA fibers with the same draw ratio. SEM observations demonstrate that the AT nanorods can align orderly along the fiber axis by stretching and have good adhesion to the fiber matrix. The results of birefringence measurements prove that the modified fibers have higher orientation than pure PVA fibers after stretching. The results of DSC analysis indicate that the crystallinity of the PVA fibers can be increased by the addition of AT. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 1995–2000, 2006     

Wastes from Wood Extraction Used in Composite Materials: Behavior after Accelerated Weathering

New materials were obtained by incorporating in polypropylene (PP) matrix 60% wood wastes resulting after extraction with supercritical carbon dioxide, water, and ethanol. Structural, mechanical, thermal, and rheological characterizations, as well as moisture uptake of the composites, were evaluated before and after accelerated weathering. It was found that the extraction method influenced the composite properties due to the hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance. The addition of extracted fibers results in an increase in hardness and tensile properties and a decrease of impact strength as compared to PP.