Insights into the effect of moisture absorption and fiber content on the mechanical behavior of starch–date‐palm fiber composites. (11th April 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saleh, Aya A.; Saleh, Menna A.; Al Haron, Mohamed H.; Farag, Mahmoud
• Other Names: Bao Jinsong guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Stärke. Volume 69:Number 7/8(2017)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-04-11
• Subjects: Biodegradable composites -- Data‐palm fibers -- Impact strength -- Moisture absorption -- Starch; Starch -- Periodicals; 572.566
• DOI: 10.1002/star.201600254
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-9056

Abstract

Abstract : Biodegradable composites of starch–date‐palm fibers were prepared by first plasticizing corn starch and chemically treating the fibers before being formed by compression molding. The effect of fiber content on mechanical properties was examined and it was found that tensile strength and Young's modulus for 50 weight percent (wt%) fiber composite improved by 7 and 12.5 times, respectively, compared to thermoplastic starch. Impact strength showed similar behavior and improved by 4.3 times for 50 wt% fiber composites. At higher fiber content the matrix was insufficient to cover the fibers, causing the mechanical properties to deteriorate. The results also showed that exposure to moisture resulted in progressive decrease in mechanical properties with increasing moisture absorption. It was found that after reaching moisture saturation, the retained tensile strengths were about one‐third the starting values and the retained impact strengths were about two‐thirds the starting values.