Hybrid clay functionalized biofibres for composite applications

Composites Part B: Engineering, Volume 47, 2013, Pages 260-266.
Carl Lange, Farid Touaiti, Pedro Fardim.

Abo Akademi University, Laboratory of Fibre and Cellulose Technology, Porthansgatan 3-5, FI-20500 Abo, Finland

 

Abstract

Micro-injection moulded composites of softwood fibres from two different pulping processes in thermoplastic polypropylene matrix have been studied. Surface modification of hydrogen peroxide bleached thermo mechanical pulp fibres (BTMP) from spruce (Picea abies L.) and chemical sulphate pulp fibres (BKraft) from pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) was achieved by co-precipitation of layered double hydroxide (LDH) particles that were further functionalized with sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) surfactant in conditions similar to wet end in paper production. Micro-injection moulded test specimens were subjected to uniaxial tension tests, water absorption, micromechanical deformation and microscopic studies. Optical micrographs show that functional pulp was homogeneously dispersed into polypropylene matrix where as the untreated fibres agglomerated during moulding. When composites were prepared with BTMP fibres the electrostatically bound SDS on fibre surface increased elongation at break by 70%. LDH particles intensified dissipation of shear energy to BKraft fibres degrading the average fibre length by 50% during moulding. Functionalization with SDS surfactant, however, increased average fibre length up to 125% in comparison to LDH modification.

 

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Additional Information

The printing media is going through a rapid transformation and the attention of the traditional pulp and paper manufacturers is being shifted to other market possibilities. The current trend is going towardsutilization of renewable wood fibres in plastic commodities and polymer composites.There are, however, general problems associated with thefibre reinforced composite manufacturing in terms of raw material properties. Natural wood fibres are water absorbing, flammable and short in dimensions, that do not mix well with oil based polymers and reinforce the matrix. On the other hand, they do have other attractive qualities surpassing other filler materials. They are light weight, renewable and available in large quantities in a sustainable value chain.

Our research in composite field concentrates in hybrid layered double hydroxide particles that are engineered to carry new functions to the ordinary wood fibres. These inorganic materials have marvellous properties that can be exploited throughout the fibre and composite manufacturing process. The bonding capability of fibres to the polymeric matrix can be altered and the chemistry expanded depending on the desirable function that the composite structure should have.A great advantage from the industrial point of view is the benign nature and cost of these particles. Synthesis can be applied with both the cellulosic fibres and fibres that are rich in lignin. Also, there are fewer hazards associated in them than in many other fibre modification processes as they can be generated directly to the fibre surfaces from an aqueous medium.

 

Hybrid clay functionalized biofibres for composite applications

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