Influence of alkaline and boiling water pretreatment on the structural and surface wettability of biocomposite fabricated of pretreated palm fiber-thermoplastic starch

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 MSc., Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, I.R. Iran

2 Ph.D., Student, Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, I.R. Iran

3 Prof., Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, I.R. Iran

4 Assoc., Prof., Department of Wood and Paper Science and Technology, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, I.R. Iran

Abstract

In this study, considering the importance of eco-friendly composite materials, the feasibility to produce a biocomposite by using pretreated palm fiber and thermoplastic starch are investigated. In order to produce this composite, the extracted fibers of palm tree and thermoplastic starch polymer in equal ratio (50 to 50) were used. Pre-treatment by 1% NaOH and boiling water were used to modify the fiber surface. Water absorption, dimensional swelling, equilibrium moisture content and density were measured to investigate physical properties. Dynamic contact angle tests, XRD, and FTIR spectroscopy were used to evaluate the wettability and chemical-structural changes in polymeric structure. The results showed that both alkali pretreatment and boiling water modification of the fiber improve the performance of bicomposite by creating morphological and chemical changes on the fiber surface leading to a better linking with polymeric matrix. Hot water pretreatment was more efficient in improving the crystallinity and hemicellulose degradation to create dimensional stability and reduced wettability. Alkali pre-treatment increased the wettability and water absorption of thermoplastic biocomposite. Boiling water pretreatment is recommended if the production of durable and low cost biocompatible composites with high physical properties is considered.

Keywords

References

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Forest and Wood Products
Volume 73, Issue 4
February 2021
Pages 479-490

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