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Chemical Resistance, Mechanical and Physical Properties of Biofibers-Based

Polymer Composites
A. S. Singha a; Vijay Kumar Thakur a
a
Applied Chemistry Research Laboratory, National Institute of Technology Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh,
India

Online Publication Date: 01 July 2009

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Biofibers-Based Polymer Composites',Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering,48:7,736 — 744
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 Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering, 48: 736–744, 2009
Copyright # Taylor & Francis Group, LLC
ISSN: 0360-2559 print=1525-6111 online
DOI: 10.1080/03602550902824622

Chemical Resistance, Mechanical and Physical Properties

of Biofibers-Based Polymer Composites
A. S. Singha and Vijay Kumar Thakur
Applied Chemistry Research Laboratory, National Institute of Technology Hamirpur, Himachal
Pradesh, India

strength, excellent thermal ability, insulation, size ability,

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A study on physical and chemical properties along with
mechanical characterization of Hibiscus Sabdariffa fiber-reinforced
Phenol–Formaldehyde resin matrix based polymer composites have
been reported. Effect of fiber dimension on mechanical properties
was evaluated. The interfacial bonding between Hibiscus Sabdariffa
fiber and polymer matrix has been found to affect the properties of
polymer matrix. It has been observed that particle reinforced poly-
mer composites exhibit better mechanical properties as compared to
short and long fiber reinforced polymeric composites. These compo-
sites were further subjected to evaluation of morphological, thermal,
physical (swelling and moisture absorption) and chemical properties.
Keywords Mechanical; Morphological and thermal analysis;
Optimization; Polymer composites; Reinforcements
INTRODUCTION
Present-day industry takes an interest in environment
friendly polymer composites materials, due to economic
and ecological reasons[1–4]. The use of lignocellulosic
natural fibrous materials in composite parts fits well into
this picture: biofiber which are used as reinforcement to
reinforce polymer matrices replace synthetic fibers in many
cases. Clay reinforced by straw was the first known compo-
site material in human history used in building construc-
tion developed by the ancient Egyptians approximately
3,000 years ago. In fact, this composite material was a
natural fiber reinforced composite. However, with the
development of materials technology, materials with better
performance, such as ceramics, plastics, metals, and
synthetic fibers composites were intensively used and the
use of natural fiber composite was discarded for very
long time. Recently, the use of lignocellulosic natural
fiber-reinforced polymer composites has started gaining
attractiveness in engineering applications[5,6].
Among various polymer matrices, phenolics resins are
known as the oldest and one of widely used thermosetting
polymers because of its low cost, high mechanical
Address correspondence to A. S. Singha, Applied Chemistry
Research Laboratory, National Institute of Technology
Hamirpur 177005, Himachal Pradesh, India. E-mail: assingha@
gmail.com
flame retardancy and corrosion resistance etc. having
many industrial applications in various sectors such as
aeronautical, automation, computing, and building
etc.[7,8]. Among phenolics resins phenol–formaldehyde
based matrix is being used extensively for the production
of natural fiber reinforced polymer composites as they
have been found to possess good fiber matrix bonding that
give them better mechanical properties.
It has been observed that lignocellulosic natural fibers
are able to impart the polymer composite various benefits
such as: low cost, biodegradability, low density; no health
hazards; high specific strength, enhanced mechanical
properties, high degree of flexibility, good acoustic and
thermal insulation, less machine wear and good availability
etc. as compared to traditional synthetic fibers[9–11].
Perhaps the most attractive characteristic of lignocellulosic
natural fibers is the clear positive environmental impact
which arises from the fact that these fibers are renewable
and can be easily eliminated at the end of their life
cycle[12–15]. Therefore, these natural fibers constitute an
interesting alternative to traditional synthetic fibers in
composite materials. The alternative of natural fibers as a
reinforcing material in polymer composite materials is still
attracting much interest at both the academic and indus-
trial level. Currently various researchers and material
scientists all over the world are focusing their attention
on effective utilization of these natural fibers in polymer
composites[16,17].
The commercial importance of polymers have derived
intense applications in the form of composites in various
fields such as in automotive, aerospace, marine, infrastruc-
ture etc. In spite of a number of advantages the natural
fiber reinforced composites have few disadvantages also.
One of the serious problems related to the use of lignocel-
lulosic fibers and fabrics in polymer composites materials is
their affinity towards moisture. Indeed the potential use of
natural fibers as a reinforcement of polymer matrices is
greatly harmed by their hydrophilic character, high capa-
city of moisture absorption and poor adhesion between
them and the matrix[18–20].

736
 BIOFIBERS-BASED POLYMER COMPOSITES
Natural fibers like flax, jute, pinus, saccaharum cilliare
fiber, oil palm are frequently being used as reinforcing
material in a number of applications. Among various types
of natural fibrous material, Hibiscus Sabdariffa has high
potential as a reinforcing material in polymer composites.
Literature review has revealed that a very little work has
been done on the use of Hibiscus Sabdariffa as reinforcing
material in the polymer composites[21–25]. In the present
manuscript we have reported our studies on the synthesis
of Phenol–Formaldehyde (PF) resin matrix based polymer
composites and evaluation of their mechanical morphologi-
cal and thermal properties. A study on the swelling
behaviour, moisture absorbance and chemical resistance
behaviour of polymer matrix and fiber-reinforced polymer
Downloaded By: [2008-2009 LungHwa University of Science and Technology] At: 04:33 19 June 2009
composites under different intervals of time has also been
reported.
EXPERIMENTAL
Materials and Methods
Phenol, formaldehyde solution and sodium hydroxide
supplied by Qualigens Chemicals Ltd Company were used
as received. In the present research work we have used
phenolics resin such as Phenol–Formaldehyde (PF) as poly-
mer matrix and lignocellulosic natural fibers as reinforcing
material. Hibiscus Sabdariffa fibers collected from local
resources were used as natural fibrous material as the
reinforcement in the polymer composite. The fibers prior
to use were washed thoroughly with detergent powder
because fibers generally contain some impurities that may
affect the bonding between the fibers and the polymer
matrix. After this these fibers were washed with distilled
water and dried in an air oven at 70
C for 12 h and a
vacuum oven at 67
C for 3 h before preparation of com-
posites. These fibers were used in three forms: 1. Particle
Reinforcement (200 m); 2. Short-Fiber Reinforcement
(3 mm); and 3. Long Fiber Reinforcement (6 mm).
Instruments Used
Weights of the samples were taken on Shimadzu make
electronic balance (LIBROR AEG-220), curing of samples
was done on compression molding machine (SANTECH
INDIA Ltd), thermal studies were carried out on Thermal
Analyzer (Perkin-Elmer) and SEM micrographs were taken
on (LEO 435VP). Tensile, compressive and flexural strength
tests were performed on Computerized Universal Testing
Machine (HOUNSFIELD H25KS). Wear test was per-
formed on Wear & Friction Monitor (DUCOM-TR-20L).
Synthesis of Phenol–Formaldehyde Resin
Phenol–Formaldehyde resin has been synthesized by the
standard method developed in our material science labora-
tory[8,15]. Phenol and formaldehyde were taken in different
molar ratio (1.0:1.0, 1.0:1.5, 1.0:2.0, 1.0:2.5, and 1.0:3.0)
737
by weight, in the reaction kettle and were mixed with the
help of mechanical stirrer. Suitable conditions of tempera-
ture, acidity of the medium and pH were maintained while
carrying out the reaction as reported earlier[8]. The resin
synthesized was then transferred to a specially made mold.
Resin sheets of size 150 mm  150 mm  5.0 mm were
prepared by a closed mold method[6–11]. The cured samples
were then subjected to various mechanical, thermal and
morphological studies.
Synthesis of Polymer Composites
Particle Reinforced Composites. Hibiscus Sabdariffa
fibers were grinded to a powder and filtered through a sieve
of pore size 200 microns. The specific amount of Phenol–
Formaldehyde (PF) resin and Hibiscus Sabdariffa fibers
were taken and mixed thoroughly by suitable loading (1:
0.1). The above mixture was poured into a specially made
mold. The surfaces of molds were coated on the inside with
oleic acid to avoid adhesion of the mixture and to allow
easy removal of the composites. The mixture was then
spread equally on the surface of the mold. Composite
sheets of size 150 mm  150 mm  5.0 mm were prepared
by compression molding technique on Compression Mold-
ing Machine. Compression molding was performed in a
hot press using a mold preheated to 120
C. The material
first placed in a hot open mold was left for about 5 min,
and then the mold was closed. Composite sheets were
prepared by hot pressing the mold at 150
C for 30 min at
a pressure of 4 MPa. The specimens were then post cured
at 120
C for 12 hr and were subjected for different mechan-
ical and thermal studies.
Short-Fiber Reinforced Composites. Hibiscus Sabdar-
iffa fibers were cut into 3 mm size and mixed with the
weighed amount of Phenol–Formaldehyde (PF). Composite
sheets were prepared as per method discussed above.
Long-Fiber Reinforced Composites. Hibiscus Sabdar-
iffa fibers were cut into 6 mm length and mixed with
weighed amount of resin. Curing of samples was done as
per the method discussed earlier.
Mechanical Analysis of Resin and Polymer
Composite Samples
Tensile Strength Test. The tensile strength test was
conducted on Computerized Universal Testing Machine
(HOUNSFIELD H25KS). The sample of 10 cm length
was clamped into the 2 jaws of the machine. Each end of
the jaws covered 2 cm of the sample. Tensile strength was
studied over the rest of 6 cm gauze length. Reading of the
tensile strength test instrument for Newton force and
extension was initially set at zero. The test was conducted
at the constant strain rate of the order of 10 mm=min.
Tensile stress was applied till the failure of the sample
and load – extension curve was obtained.
 738 A. S. SINGHA AND V. K. THAKUR
Compressive Strength Test. Compression strength of
samples was also tested on Computerized Universal Testing
Machine (HOUNSFIELD H25KS). Composite sample was
held between the two platforms and the strain rate was fixed
at 10 mm=min, whereas the total compression range was
7.5 mm. The compression stress was applied till the failure
of sample. Total compression per unit force was noted.
Flexural Strength Test. Flexural strength of samples
was also tested on Computerized Universal Testing
Machine. The three-point bend flexural test was conducted
in accordance with ASTM D 790 method.
Wear Test. The wear test of the testing sample was
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conducted Wear & Friction Monitor (DUCOM-TR-20L).
The disc was cleaned with Emery paper and it was fixed
at 500 rpm. The inner diameter of steel disc was 80 mm.
Initial weight of the sample was noted and the sample
pin was fixed in the jaws of wear testing machine. Then
machine was set to display zero wear and friction. The sam-
ples were tested with different loads varying from 1.0 to
3.0 kg. For each load the machine was allowed to run for
15 minutes and the readings were recorded. After 15 min-
utes the sample was taken out from the machine and
weighed again. Then loss in weight due to abrasion was
calculated and this weight loss was used as the measure
of wear.
SEM Analysis of Samples. In order to evaluate
changes in the composite surface morphology, fibers and
polymer matrix were analyzed by scanning electron micro-
scopy (SEM). The excitation energy used was 5 keV. To
achieve good electric conductivity all samples were first
carbon sputtered followed by sputtering a gold palladium
mixture before examination. SEM micrographs of these
samples show the morphology of the green composites thus
prepared. These micrographs show clear cut distinction
between the different Phenol–Formaldehyde polymer
matrix and Hibiscus Sabdariffa fibers reinforced polymer
matrix based green composites.
Thermal Analysis of Samples
Thermal analysis of natural and synthetic polymers
gives us good account of their thermal stability. Thermo
gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analy-
sis (DTA) studies of samples were carried out in nitrogen
atmosphere on a thermal analyzer (Perkin-Elmer) at a
heating rate of 10
C=min. TGA is used to characterize
the decomposition and thermal stability of materials. A
change in thermal stability is examined in terms of percen-
tage weight loss as a function of temperature in this
method. DTA involves comparing the precise temperature
difference between a sample and an inert reference material
when both are heated. In DTG rate of material weight
change upon heating versus temperature is plotted and
is used to simplify reading of weight-versus temperature
thermogram peaks that occur close together. DTG peaks
are characterized by the peak maximum (Tmax) and the
peak on set temperature (Te). The area under DTG curve
is proportional to the mass change and the height of the
peak at any temperature gives the rate of the mass change
at that temperature. DTG curves are frequently preferred
when comparing results with DTA curves because of the
visual similarity.
Chemical Resistance, Swelling, and Moisture
Absorbance Behaviour
The effect of environmental conditions on the polymer
biocomposites has been a subject of much debate and many
studies are ongoing to study the behaviour of polymer
composites under various conditions[2,3,9,17–20]. The
commercial feasibility of the fabricated green polymer
composites lies in their physical and chemical resistance
behaviour. While studying the growth of natural fiber-
reinforced polymer composite particular interest lies in its
behavior against weathering as these lignocellulosic natural
fibers are hydrophilic in nature[1,2]. As a result, a compre-
hensive study on chemical resistance behaviour against
1N HCl and 1N NaOH, swelling behaviour in different
solvents, and moisture absorbance at different humidity
levels of Hibiscus Sabdariffa fiber reinforced polymer
composites has been carried out.
Chemical Resistance. For the chemical resistance test,
the dried specimens were immersed in 100 ml of 1N NaOH
and 1N HCl for different intervals of time (24–144 hours).
After this the samples were filtered out, dried and weighed.
The percent chemical resistance (Pcr) was calculated in
term of weight loss in the following manner:
Ti  Waci
Percent chemical resistance ðPcr Þ ¼  100
Ti
where Ti ¼ Initial weight and Waci ¼ weight after certain
interval.
Swelling Behaviour. Swelling behavior of the compo-
site samples was evaluated by studying the swelling in
different solvents such as methanol, isobutanol, carbon
tetrachloride and water. For the swelling test, the speci-
mens were dried in an oven for a specified time at a parti-
cular temperature and then cooled in a dessicator. Known
weight (Wi) of the initial samples were immersed in 100 ml
of different solvents at room temperature for 15 days. The
samples were filtered and the excess solvent was removed
with the help of filter paper, patted dry with a lint-free
cloth and then final weight (Wf) was noted. The percent
 BIOFIBERS-BASED POLYMER COMPOSITES 739

swelling was calculated from the increase in initial weight in

the following manner
Wf  Wi
Percent swelling ðPS Þ ¼  100
Wi
Moisture Absorbance. Moisture absorbance studies
onto different samples were carried-out at various humidity
levels (varying from 20 to 100%). Moisture absorbance was
found out by placing the known weight (Wi) of dry samples
in a humidity chamber (Swastika make), which was set at a
particular humidity level for about 12 hrs and then the final
weight (Wf) of the samples exposed at a particular relative
humidity (RH) was taken. The percent moisture absorbance
was then calculated in the following manner:
Downloaded By: [2008-2009 LungHwa University of Science and Technology] At: 04:33 19 June 2009

Wf  Wi
% Moisture absorbance ð% Mabs Þ ¼  100
Wi

RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

In determining the overall behaviour of polymer compo-
sites mechanical, morphological and thermal characteriza-
tions have been found to be most trusted tools. Among
various techniques mechanical characterization is the most
significant tool in studying the behaviour of polymer
composites.
Mechanism of Synthesis of Phenol–Formaldehyde Resin
Phenol–Formaldehyde resin has been synthesized by the
reaction of phenol with formaldehyde in the molar ratio
of 1:1.5. The reaction between phenol and formaldehyde
is normally catalyzed by acids and bases[8,15]. In present
work sodium hydroxide has been used as base catalyst.
The nature of the product formed as a result of polymeriza-
tion reaction primarily depends upon the types of catalyst
and the molar ratio of the reactants. The OH-anion contri-
butes to the formation of phenates by abstracting the
alcoholic proton. The mechanism of condensation of
phenol, formaldehyde in the alkaline medium is shown in
Figure 1A. The resulting ortho- and para-methylol phenols
are more reactive towards formaldehyde than the original
phenol. These methylol phenols on further reaction with
formaldehyde lead to the formation of di- and trimethylol
derivatives as shown in Figure 1B. The above polymeriza-
tion reaction on further heating results in the condensation
between methylol phenols and methylol phenol; and
phenol and methylol phenol to give products having ether
and methylene linkages respectively. (Figure 1C). Further
heating causes cross-linking among the above products
and produces the desired polymeric resin. The general
structure of polymeric resin is shown in Figure 1D.

Optimization of Phenol–Formaldehyde Resin

FIG. 1. (A) Mechanism for the addition of formaldehyde on phenol in
Optimization of Phenol–formaldehyde resin was done by basic medium. (B) Formation of di and trimethylol derivatives. (C) Conden-
taking into accounts the mechanical properties such as sation between methylol phenol to give products having ether and methylene
tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength and linkages. (D) General structure of polymeric Phenol–Formaldehyde resin.
 740 A. S. SINGHA AND V. K. THAKUR
wear resistance etc.[6,10]. It has been observed that Phenol–
formaldehyde resin in the ratio 1:1.5 exhibit optimum
mechanical properties so this ratio was taken for further
fabrication of polymer composites. The wear resistance
results also supports the tensile, compressive and flexural
results, as brittle materials have higher wear rate and low
tensile, compressive and flexural strength. The ratio
(1.0:1.5) of Phenol and formaldehyde showing optimum
mechanical properties was taken for further preparation of
biomass reinforced Phenol–formaldehyde biocomposites.
Mechanical Properties of PF Matrix-Based
Polymer Composites
Tensile Strength. It has been observed that polymer
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composites with particle reinforcement showed more
tensile strength which was followed by short fiber and long
fiber reinforced composites (Figure 2A). It is clear from the
(Figure 2A) that the samples of
i. Particle-reinforced composite could bear a load of
1325.0 N at an extension of 2.94 mm.
ii. Short-fiber reinforced composite could bear a load of
1275.0 N at an extension of 3.03 mm.
FIG. 2. Load elongation=deformation=deflection and wear resistance curve of fiber-reinforced composites (A, B, C, and D).
iii. Long-fiber reinforced composite could bear a load of
1247.0 N at an extension of 3.1 mm.
Compressive Strength. Compressive strength of PF
resin matrix has been found to increase when reinforced
with Hibiscus Sabdariffa. It has been found that with par-
ticle reinforcement, compressive strength increases to a
much more extent than short and long fiber reinforcement
(Figure 2B). It is clear that the samples of
i. Particle-reinforced composite could bear a load of
3535.5 N with compression of 2.68 mm.
ii. Short-fiber reinforced composite could bear a load of
3387.8 N with compression of 2.75 mm.
iii. Long-fiber reinforced composite could bear a load of
3302.4 N with compression of 2.79 mm.
Flexural Strength. Flexural strength of PF resin
matrix has been found to follow the same trend as is
observed for tensile and compressive strength. It has been
found that with particle reinforcement, compressive
strength increases to a much greater extent than short-
and long-fiber reinforcement (Figure 2C). It is clear that
the samples of
 BIOFIBERS-BASED POLYMER COMPOSITES
i. Particle-reinforced composite could bear a load of
1037.0 N with compression of 2.63 mm.
ii. Short-fiber reinforced composite could bear a load of
980.0 N with compression of 2.69 mm.
iii. Long-fiber reinforced composite could bear a load of
940.0 N with compression of 2.72 mm.
Wear Test. As evident from (Figure 2D) wear rate of
PF matrix decreases appreciably when it is reinforced with
Hibiscus Sabdariffa. It was observed that particle reinforce-
ment decreases the wear rate to a much greater extent than
short and long fiber reinforcement. From these results it is
clear that particle reinforcement is more effective than short-
and long-fiber reinforcement. This may be due to larger
Downloaded By: [2008-2009 LungHwa University of Science and Technology] At: 04:33 19 June 2009
surface area and more fiber=matrix interaction in case of
particle-reinforced composites. Further the interfacial bond-
ing between polymer matrix and lignocellulosic biofiber
depends on the surface topology of these natural fibers[6–10].
The interface acts as a ‘binder’ and transfers load between
the matrix and the reinforcing fibers. The interfacial area
plays a major role in determining the strength of polymer
composite material because each fiber forms an individual
interface with the matrix. In lignocellulosic natural fibers
cellulose is the major component containing strong hydroxyl
groups in its structure which tend to form hydrogen bonds
FIG. 3. SEM images of (A) Phenol–Formaldehyde resin (B, C, & D) composite with particle, short and long fiber reinforcements.
741
within the macromolecule itself, along with hydroxyl groups
of Phenolic (Phenol–Formaldehyde) resin. It can be
concluded that different degrees of reinforcement effects
are achieved by the addition of Hibiscus Sabdariffa fibers
to Phenol–Formaldehyde (PF) resin matrix-based polymer
composites. This property also leads to increase in mechan-
ical properties of the Hibiscus Sabdariffa fiber-reinforced
polymer composites.
Morphological Study of Polymer Biocomposites
Morphological results (Figure 3) show that there is
proper intimate mixing of Hibiscus Sabdariffa fibers with
the Phenol–Formaldehyde (PF) resin matrix in the polymer
composites thus synthesized. Morphological results
evidently demonstrate that when polymer resin matrix is
reinforced with the different dimension of fiber, morpholo-
gical changes take place depending upon the interfacial
interaction between the varying loading of fiber and the
resin matrix[6–10].
Thermal Behaviour of Polymer Resin and its Composites
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of raw Hibiscus
Sabdariffa fiber, polymeric Phenol–Formaldehyde (PF)
resin and biocomposites was studied as a function of %
weight loss with the increase in temperature. For Hibiscus
 742 A. S. SINGHA AND V. K. THAKUR

TABLE 1
TGA=DTA analysis of PF, HS and P-Rnf-PF Composites
Sr. Sample IDT % FDT % Final Exothermic=endothermic
No. code (
C) wt. loss (
C) wt. loss residue (%) peaks
C(mV)
1. HS 199 7.65 500 85.71 14.29 63[0.9]; 361[1.5]
2. PF Resin 400 15.68 1195 48.53 51.47 164[9.0]; 421[6.0]
3. P-Rnf Comp 332 25.39 981 57.25 42.75 63[2]; 687[27]

Sabdariffa fiber initial decomposition (IDT) temperature is TABLE 2

199
C and final decomposition temperature is 500
C. On DTG analysis of PF, HS and P-Rnf-PF Composites
the other hand, in case of polymeric resin (Phenol
Exothermic peaks
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formaldehyde) it is single-stage decomposition and the

Sr. No. Sample code temperature (mg=min)
initial decomposition temperature is 400
C, the final
decomposition of the resin took place at 1195
C. The 1. HS 63[0.9]; 361[1.5]
degradation temperatures for natural fiber-reinforced 2. PF Resin 156[112.8]; 215[114.9];
composites fall between the degradation temperatures for 416[126.1]; 490[235.5]
the matrix and the fibers. 3. P-Rnf Comp 55[50]; 317[264]; 528[104]
It has been observed that for biocomposites initial
decomposition temperature is 332.0
C and the final decom-
position of the composite took place at 981
C, which
TABLE 3
indicate that the presence of cellulose fibers affect the
Chemical resistances (in terms of % wt. loss) of Polymer
degradation process. Similar behaviour is expected with
composites at different time intervals against (A) 1N HCl
other fiber reinforcement. The initial decomposition
and (B) 1N NaOH
(IDT) temperature, final decomposition temperature
(FDT) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) of fiber, % 24 48 72 96 120 144
resin and biocomposite are presented in the Table 1. This Loading Hrs Hrs Hrs Hrs Hrs Hrs
was consistent with results reported earlier[6–10]. These stu-
dies are further supported DTG results as shown in Table 2. (A)
PF Resin 1.09 2.13 3.09 4.23 4.68 5.04
P-Rnf 3.27 4.44 5.25 6.2 7.34 8.97
Chemical Resistance, Swelling and Moisture
SF-Rnf 3.31 4.49 5.34 6.29 7.37 9.01
Absorbance Behaviour of Polymer Composites
LF-Rnf 3.37 4.64 5.41 6.34 7.48 9.16
Hibiscus Sabdariffa reinforced polymer composites
with different dimension show different chemical resistance (B)
behaviour in different chemicals. In case of chemical
PF Resin 1.52 2.59 3.12 4.62 4.72 5.45
resistance behaviour, it has been observed that resistance
P-Rnf 3.58 4.69 5.41 6.59 7.62 9.2
towards chemicals decreases with the increase in fiber
SF-Rnf 3.61 4.74 5.49 6.68 7.67 9.21
dimension (Table 3A–3B). This may be due to increase in
LF-Rnf 3.89 5.09 5.78 7.05 8.04 9.54
fiber content in the composite which is vulnerable to the
chemical attack resulting in decreased resistance towards
the chemicals.
Further Hibiscus Sabdariffa fiber-reinforced polymer TABLE 4
composites with different dimension show different swel- Swelling behaviour (in terms of %) of polymer composites
ling behavior in different solvents (Table 4). The swelling in different solvents
behavior of composites in different solvents follows the
trend: H2O > CH3OH > C4H9OH >CCl4. The swelling Carbon
behavior of polymer composites increases with increase in Sample Water Methanol Isobutanol tetrachloride
fiber-dimension due to greater affinity of water for OH
PF Resin 0.12 0.09 0.07 0.03
groups present in the fiber-reinforced polymer composites.
P-Rnf 3.17 3.01 2.88 2.81
The moisture absorbance behavior at different humidity
SF-Rnf 3.31 3.09 3.01 2.97
levels as a function of fiber loading has been depicted in the
LF-Rnf 3.39 3.17 3.09 3.02
(Table 5). It has been found that moisture absorbance
 BIOFIBERS-BASED POLYMER COMPOSITES
TABLE 5
Moisture absorption (in terms of %) behavior of polymer composites at different relative humidity levels
% Loading Hum ¼ 20 Hum ¼ 40
PF Resin 0.00009 0.00018
P-Rnf 0.00014 0.00025
SF-Rnf 0.00018 0.00029
LF-Rnf 0.00024 0.00035
(Mabs) increases with increase in humidity level ranging
from 20 to 100%.
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CONCLUSIONS
Chemical, physical and mechanical methods were
adapted for characterization of natural fiber-reinforced
polymer composites. The results of swelling, moisture
and chemical resistance behaviour of composites have been
reported and these along with mechanical properties could
be used as determinant for the end applications. The
mechanical properties of Hibiscus Sabdariffa fiber rein-
forced Phenol–Formaldehyde (PF) resin-based composites
have been found to be higher as compared to polymeric
Phenol–Formaldehyde resin. Further particle reinforcement
of the PF resin has been found to be more effective as
compared to short fiber reinforcement. Morphological
results clearly show that there is proper mixing= bonding
of lignocellulosic fibers with polymer and were distributed
over the whole sample section.
It has been observed that polymer composites are ther-
mal slightly less stable than the Phenol–Formaldehyde resin
matrix at high temperature. However few restrictions in the
successful use of natural fibers as reinforcement in the poly-
mer composites are that these fibers have been found to
increase their swelling, moisture absorption along with
reduced chemical resistance characteristics due to the
hydrophilic behaviour of the fiber.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We express our sincere thanks to Director, National Insti-
tute of Technology Hamirpur (H.P.) INDIA for providing
the basic laboratory facilities. Financial assistance provided
by University Grant Commission (New Delhi) through
grant no. F.NO.-30-80=2004 (SR) is highly acknowledged.
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