Rheological Behaviour of Injection Moulded Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fibre – Polypropylene Composites: Effects of Electron Beam Processing Versus Maleated Polypropylene
In this study, oil palm empty fruit bunch fibres (EFB) reinforced polypropylene (PP) composites were prepared by two different methods i.e. physical treatment of the composites using electron beam irradiation and chemical treatment by adding coupling agent such as maleated PP. The composites pell...
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Main Authors: | , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English English |
Published: |
Taylor & Francis
2008
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Online Access: | http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/7999/1/Rheological%20Behaviour%20of%20Injection%20Moulded%20Oil%20Palm%20Empty%20Fruit%20Bunch%20Fibre.pdf http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/7999/ http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15421400801904328 |
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Summary: | In this study, oil palm empty fruit bunch fibres (EFB) reinforced polypropylene
(PP) composites were prepared by two different methods i.e. physical treatment
of the composites using electron beam irradiation and chemical treatment by
adding coupling agent such as maleated PP. The composites pellets were then
subjected to injection moulding for preparation of test pieces for physical, mechanical
and rheology properties study. Haake Rheometer RS 150 was used to study
the changes in viscosities of the composites at different shear rates. The melt flows
of the composites were also measured to complement and confirm the rheology
behaviour of the composites. Upon irradiation, the viscosity of PP decreased due
to chain scission and the sudden drop of viscosity at high shear rate was not
significant. The presence of EFB fibre in the PP matrix was obviously interrupted
the flow ability of PP that cause viscosity to increase. Upon irradiation of EFB=PP,
the viscosity of the composites decreases. This indicate that no crosslinking occur
between EFB and PP during melt mixing although PP and EFB active radicals
were present in the composites. On the other hand, the additional malaeted PP
increases interfacial adhesion that result in enhance resistance to flow, thus significantly
increased in the viscosity of the composite. The addition of 6% maleated
PP exhibited significant drop in viscosity of the composites. These results were
further confirmed by the melt flow measurement of irradiated EFB=PP with
reactive additives and maleated PP. The rheological behaviour of the composite
is important parameters in plastic processing particularly in relation to the shear
rates for injection moulding and extrusion processes. |
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