# EFFECT OF ALKALI TREATMENT ON PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF BIO-BASED COMPOSITES

> Title: EFFECT OF ALKALI TREATMENT ON PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF BIO-BASED COMPOSITES Page Range: p.9-20 Author(s): Williams T; Hosur M; Vaidya U; Jeelani S File size: Download the pdf (subscribers only) Buy the pdf (non-subscribers) Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites Issue Year: ppc...

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Published: 2013-01-01T00:00:00+00:00
Categories: Polymers and Polymer Composites

**Title: EFFECT OF ALKALI TREATMENT ON PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF BIO-BASED COMPOSITES**
 Page Range: p.9-20
 Author(s): Williams T; Hosur M; Vaidya U; Jeelani S
 File size:
 ![](http://dload.gif) [Download the pdf](http://journals.asp?Page=111&JournalDownload=ON&JournalType=ppc&JournalIssue=ppc21-1&JournalID=101818&JIP=) (subscribers only)
 ![](http://handbuy.gif) Buy the pdf (non-subscribers)
 Journal: Polymers and Polymer Composites
 Issue Year: ppc
 Volume: 21
 Issue No: No.1

**Abstract**
 In the present study, bast kenaf natural fibres were alkali-treated to determine the effect of treatment on the physical properties of natural fibre-reinforced biocomposites. Both unsaturated polyesters and bio-polyester resins were used as matrices. Other resin systems were studied as well, including a resin made with low VOC, fatty acid-derived reactive diluents. After all the biocomposites had been fabricated via compression moulding, it was observed that the incorporation of alkali-treated fibres in the biocomposites decreased the flexural and thermo-mechanical properties of the biocomposites. It was also observed that mercerizing the kenaf aided in reducing the moisture absorption by 30% and increasing the compressive strength by ~30% compared to that of the untreated biocomposites. The property changes were believed to be the result of crystallinity changes in the kenaf as a result of the treatment. 36 Refs.

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