Eco-Composites of Polyurethane and Luffa aegyptiaca Modified by Mercerisation and Benzylation

New eco-composites were prepared from castor oil polyurethane reinforced with Luffa cylindrica fibres. These fibres were used without treatment as well as after mercerisation and mercerisation/benzylation surface treatments. TG curves of mercerised Luffa showed a small increase in thermal stability,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polymers & polymer composites 2008-01, Vol.16 (4), p.249-256
Main Authors: MELO, Breno N, DOS-SANTOS, Claudio G, BOTARO, Vagner R, PASA, Vanya M. D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Cellulose fibers
Chemical properties
Composite materials
Composites
Composition
Environmental aspects
Exact sciences and technology
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Luffa
Materials
Mercerization
Methods
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Polyurethane
Polyurethanes
Production processes
Spectrum analysis
Technology of polymers
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Summary:New eco-composites were prepared from castor oil polyurethane reinforced with Luffa cylindrica fibres. These fibres were used without treatment as well as after mercerisation and mercerisation/benzylation surface treatments. TG curves of mercerised Luffa showed a small increase in thermal stability, associated with the removal of polyoses and soluble lignin. TG curves of benzylated fibres showed a decrease in thermal stability (T onset and T max. ) and an increase in residual carbon due to aromatic ring insertion. FTIR spectra and elemental analysis also confirmed benzylation, and X-ray diffractograms showed a decrease in cellulose crystallinity. The eco-composite (crude fibre) absorbed more water (14% after 4 – weeks' exposure) than the resin, because of the hydrophilic character of natural fibres, but mercerisation and benzylation reduced this value by about 50%. Tensile moduli of composites reinforced with untreated and mercerised fibres were comparable, but increased by 33% with the use of mercerised/benzylated Luffa cylindrica. SEMs of the fibres and fibres-matrix interfaces are presented.
ISSN:0967-3911
1478-2391
DOI:10.1177/096739110801600404