Effect of fiber loading on tensile properties of cocoa pod husk fibers reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane composites

• Main Authors: El-Shekeil, Yousuf Ali Gumaan, Salit, Mohd Sapuan, Haron, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Trans Tech Publications 2014
• Online Access: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/37246/1/Effect%20of%20fiber%20loading%20on%20tensile%20properties%20of%20cocoa%20pod%20husk%20fibers%20reinforced%20thermoplastic%20polyurethane%20composites.pdf; http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/37246/; http://www.scientific.net/AMM.564.346

In this study, cocoa (Theobroma cacao) pod husk (CPH) fiber reinforced themoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was prepared by melt blending method using Haake Polydrive R600 internal mixer. The composites were prepared with different fiber loading: 20%, 30% and 40% (by weight), with the optimum processing parameters: 190°C, 11 min, and 40 rpm for temperature, time and speed, respectively. Five samples were cut from the composite sheet. Mean value was taken for each composite according to ASTM standards. Increase of fibre loading showed increase in tensile strength and modulus and decreasing trend of strain.