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Enzyme Modification of Grain By‐products and Their Biocomposites: Characterization, Mechanical and Thermal Properties
Author(s) -
Mamun Abdullah Al,
Bledzki Andrzej Korneliusz
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
macromolecular materials and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1439-2054
pISSN - 1438-7492
DOI - 10.1002/mame.201300140
Subject(s) - materials science , husk , composite material , ultimate tensile strength , fiber , flexural strength , composite number , scanning electron microscope , biocomposite , absorption of water , dynamic mechanical analysis , molding (decorative) , epoxy , polymer , botany , biology
Rice husk‐ and wheat husk (W)‐reinforced polylactide composites are fabricated using a high‐speed mixer followed by an injection molding process with a fiber load of 40 wt%. Prior to composite production, the husks are modified using a mixture of enzymes. The enzyme modification processing parameters, such as the temperature, duration, and enzyme concentration are optimised. The modified husks are characterised using FT‐IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy in order to observe the changes in the fiber surfaces and particle sizes. The moisture absorption properties of modified and unmodified husks are also observed. The following properties of the resulting composites are characterized: tensile, flexural, impact strength, energy absorption, dynamic‐mechanical and odor emission properties. The properties of husk‐reinforced polylactide composites are compared with those of soft‐wood fiber composites.