Vijay Kumar Thakur - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

Papers by Vijay Kumar Thakur

International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2012

The present work deals with the graft copolymerization of ethyl acrylate (EA) onto lignocellulosi... more The present work deals with the graft copolymerization of ethyl acrylate (EA) onto lignocellulosic natural fibers of the Himalayan region in air in the presence of potassium persulfate (KPS) as initiator. Raw fibers and the graft copolymers after the completion of copolymerization reaction were subjected to evaluation of different properties. Correlation of physicochemical properties with the graft copolymerization reaction mechanism is discussed. Characterization of the graft copolymers was carried out with scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectrophotometry, and thermogravimetric analysis.

Polymer Composites, 2009

Natural fibers, such as Flax, Sisal, Hibiscus Sabdariffa, and Grewia optiva (GO) possess good rei... more Natural fibers, such as Flax, Sisal, Hibiscus Sabdariffa, and Grewia optiva (GO) possess good reinforcing capability when properly compounded with polymers. These fibers are relatively inexpensive, easily available from renewable resources, and possess favorable values of specific strength and specific modulus. The mechanical performance of natural fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) is often limited owing to a weak fiber- matrix interface. In contrast, urea–formaldehyde (UF) resins are well known to have a strong adhesion to most cellulose-containing materials. This article deals with the synthesis of short G. optiva fiber-reinforced UF polymer matrix-based composites. G. optiva fiber-reinforced UF composites processed by compression molding have been studied by evaluating their mechanical, physical, and chemical properties. This work reveals that mechanical properties such as: tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and wear resistance of the UF matrix increase up to 30% fiber loading and then decreases for higher loading when fibers are incorporated into the polymer matrix. Morphological and thermal studies of the matrix, fiber, and short FRP composites have also been carried out. The swelling, moisture absorbance, chemical resistance, and water uptake behavior of these composites have also been carried out at different intervals. The results obtained lay emphasis on the utilization of these fibers, as potential reinforcing materials in bio-based polymer composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers

Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 2010

The aim of the present research article was to study the perspectives of using natural fibers in ... more The aim of the present research article was to study the perspectives of using natural fibers in polymer composites. Keeping in view the enormous advantages of natural fibers, in the present communication a study on the synthesis of pine needles reinforced polymer composites using phenol-formaldehyde (PF) as a novel polymer matrix through compression molding technique has been reported. Effect of fiber loading on mechanical properties such as tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and wear resistances has also been determined. Reinforcing of the PF resin with pine needles was done in particle form (200 mm). The present study reveals that mechanical properties such as: tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and wear resistance of the PF resin increases up to 30% fiber loading and then decreases for higher fiber loading when fibers are incorporated into the polymer matrix.

International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2012

The increasing demand for green, environmentally friendly materials has resulted in new natural f... more The increasing demand for green, environmentally friendly materials has resulted in new natural fiber–based materials as replacements for nondegradable materials derived from petroleum resources that are currently being used for a number of applications. Hence, this study deals with long fiber–reinforced green polymer composites fabricated using the compression molding technique. Initially, green composites were produced with long fibers using 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt.% fiber loading. A fiber content of 30 wt.% was found to exhibit optimum mechanical properties. Physicochemical properties of the composites were also tested to check their application potential in everyday life.

International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2010

Lignocellulosic natural fibers are promising materials for use as reinforcement in composites for... more Lignocellulosic natural fibers are promising materials for use as reinforcement in composites for a wide variety of polymers. Silane treatment through aminopropyl triethoxy silane as a simple and convenient method for surface modification of Saccaharum cilliare fibers is introduced in this article. The surfaces of lignocellulosic fibers have been treated with silane coupling agent for evaluating the physicochemical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform-infrared spectrophotometry (FT-IR), thermogravimetric/differential thermal/derivative thermogravimetry (TGA/DTA/DTG), absorption in different solvents, moisture absorbance, water uptake, and chemical resistance measurements were used as characterization techniques for evaluating the nature of these surface-modified lignocellulosic natural fibers. Additionally, polymer composites were prepared using Saccaharum cilliare fibers as reinforcement and phenol-formaldehyde as novel polymer matrix resin. Effect of fiber dimension on mechanical properties of polymer matrix resin such as tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and wear resistance properties was evaluated. Polymer composites prepared were also subjected to evaluation of morphological and physicochemical properties.

Bulletin of Materials Science, 2010

Lack of resources and increasing environmental pollution has evoked great interest in the researc... more Lack of resources and increasing environmental pollution has evoked great interest in the research of materials that are friendly to our health and environment. Polymer composites fabricated from natural fibres is currently the most promising area in polymer science. Keeping in view the various advantages of natural fibres, in current series of green composites a study on natural fibre reinforced polymer composites has been made. This paper presents the results of an experimental series designed to assess the possibility of Pine needles as reinforcing material in polymer composites. First of all, urea-formaldehyde resin was synthesized and optimized by evaluating its mechanical properties. Optimized resin was reinforced with employing Pine needles of different dimensions such as particle reinforcement, short fibre reinforcement and long fibre reinforcement. Experimental results obtained shows that mechanical properties such as tensile strength, compressive strength and wear resistance of UF resin increases to a considerable extent when reinforced with Pine needles. Further it has been observed that particle reinforcement is more effective as compared to short fibre and long fibre reinforcement. These results suggest that Pine needles can be potential candidates for use in natural fibre reinforced polymer composites. Thermal and morphological studies of these composites have also been carried out.

Polymer-plastics Technology and Engineering, 2010

In present communication, synthesis and characterization of Grewia Optiva fiber reinforced Phenol... more In present communication, synthesis and characterization of Grewia Optiva fiber reinforced Phenol-Formaldehyde (PF) matrix-based polymer composites through compression molded technique have been reported. The work carried out reveals that mechanical properties of the PF resin increases to extensive extent when reinforced with Grewia Optiva fibers. Thermal (TGA/DTA/DTG) and morphological studies (SEM) of polymer composites thus synthesized have also been carried out to access the applications of polymer composite materials in daily life.

Fabrication of polymer composites reinforced with lignocellulosic materials has increased conside... more Fabrication of polymer composites reinforced with lignocellulosic materials has increased considerably during the last few years. This work reports the synthesis of natural fiber reinforced phenolformaldehyde (PF) resin matrix based polymer composite using a compression molding technique. Initially the PF resin was prepared by varying the concentration of formaldehyde with a fixed weight of phenol. Polymeric resin of different P: F ratios were subjected for optimization of their mechanical properties. The sample ratio of 1:1.5 (P: F) was found to possess maximum mechanical strength. Then reinforcing of this optimized resin was done by taking different ratios of Hibiscus Sabdariffa (HS) fiber in short form (3mm) to prepare green polymer composites. Polymer composite materials thus prepared were subjected to evaluation of their mechanical properties such as tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and wear resistance, etc. Optimum mechanical properties were obtained with a fibre loading of 30%.Thermal (TGA/DTA/DTG) and morphological studies (SEM) of the polymeric resin, and composites thus synthesized have also been studied. The results obtained suggest that these fibers can be a superior candidate for the reinforcement of high performance polymer composites.

Bulletin of Materials Science, 2009

In the recent times, there has been an ever-increasing interest in green composite materials for ... more In the recent times, there has been an ever-increasing interest in green composite materials for its applications in the field of industries, aerospace, sports, household etc and in many other fields. In this paper, fabrication of Saccharum cilliare fibre reinforced green polymer composites using resorcinol formaldehyde (RF) as a novel matrix has been reported. A systematic approach for processing of polymer is presented. Effect of fibre loading on mechanical properties like flexural, tensile, compressive and wear resistances has also been determined. Reinforcing of the RF resin with Saccharum cilliare (SC) fibre was done in the form of particle size (200 micron). Present work reveals that mechanical properties of the RF resin have been found to increase up to 30% fibre loading and then decreases. Morphological and thermal studies of the resin, fibre and particle reinforced (P-Rnf) green composites have also been studied.

Bulletin of Materials Science, 2008

In the present work, graft co-polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) onto Saccharum cilliare fibre ... more In the present work, graft co-polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) onto Saccharum cilliare fibre has been carried out in the presence of potassium persulphate and ferrous ammonium sulphate (FAS-KPS) as redox initiator. The reactions were carried out under pressure in an autoclave. Various reaction parameters such as pressure, time, pH, concentrations of initiator and monomer were optimized to get maximum graft yield (35·59%). Grafted and ungrafted Saccharum cilliare fibres were then subjected to evaluation of some of their properties like swelling behaviour in different solvents, moisture absorbance under different humidity levels, water uptake and resistance towards chemicals such as hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. The characterization of the graft copolymers were carried out by FTIR spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies.

Polymer-plastics Technology and Engineering, 2009

Durian skin waste generated by durian fruit or Durio zibethinus Murray show potential as a new re... more Durian skin waste generated by durian fruit or Durio zibethinus Murray show potential as a new reinforcement based-natural fibre. Similar to other lignocellulosic fibre, durian skin fibre (DSF) is capable in reinforcing polylactic acid (PLA) through extrusion and injection moulding processes for various applications. In current study, the effects of fibre content and pre-treatment using 4% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on DSF were investigated on impact and thermal properties of PLA biocomposites. Treated DSF significantly enhanced the properties of PLA biocomposites as compared to untreated biocomposite. PLA can be replaced by 30 wt% DSF for similar impact performance. Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) demonstrated that pre-treated DSF improved the thermal stability of PLA biocomposite. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed the presence of pre-treated DSF minimally enhanced the glass transition temperature (T g ), crystallization temperature (T c ) and melting temperature (T m ) relative to untreated DSF which suggests on better reinforcement with NaOH pre-treatment.

International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2009

Abstract In recent years, interest has grown in natural fibers as promising materials for a numbe... more Abstract In recent years, interest has grown in natural fibers as promising materials for a number of applications, particularly in polymer composite materials because they offer a number of advantages such as nontoxicity, eco-friendliness, combustibility, light weight, ...

Polymer-plastics Technology and Engineering, 2010

In the present communication a study on the preparation and characterizations of Pine Needles (PN... more In the present communication a study on the preparation and characterizations of Pine Needles (PN) reinforced polymers using Phenol-Formaldehyde (PF) as a novel polymer matrix has been reported. Pine Needles (PN) of different dimensions were used to prepare biocomposites. The influence of different fiber dimension on the mechanical properties of the composites was determined. Analysis of morphological (SEM) and thermal (TGA/DTA) properties of Pine Needles, PF resin and polymer composites have also been carried out. These polymer composites were further subjected to various standardized characterization tests such as swelling under different solvents, moisture absorption and chemical resistance analysis.

International Journal of Polymeric Materials, 2008

In this article, the synthesis of natural fiber-reinforced phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin matrix-... more In this article, the synthesis of natural fiber-reinforced phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin matrix-based polymer composites has been reported. Initially the phenol-formaldehyde resin was prepared by varying the concentration of formaldehyde with a fixed weight of phenol. Polymeric resins of different P:F ratios were subjected for optimization of their mechanical properties. The sample ratio of 1:1.5 (P:F) was found to possess maximum

International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2011

Cellulose biofiber-based graft copolymers (cellulose-g-PMMA) were rapidly synthesized under the i... more Cellulose biofiber-based graft copolymers (cellulose-g-PMMA) were rapidly synthesized under the influence of microwave radiation (MWR) through free radical–induced graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) onto modified cellulosic biofibers in aqueous medium. The effect of different polymerization parameters such as reaction time, initiator molar ratio, monomer concentration, amount of solvent, and microwave power on grafting percentage was studied to get the maximum percentage of grafting (64.87%). XRD, FT-IR, SEM, and TGA were used to characterize the graft copolymers. The graft copolymers have been found to be more moisture resistant and also exhibited better chemical and thermal resistance.

International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2012

In the present work, graft copolymerization of ethyl acrylate (EA) onto mercerized natural cellul... more In the present work, graft copolymerization of ethyl acrylate (EA) onto mercerized natural cellulosic polymers in air in the presence of potassium persulfate (KPS) as initiator to impart low water absorbency is reported. Synthesized cellulose graft copolymers were characterized with FT-IR spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal analysis TGA/DTA techniques. Thermal stability of natural polymer-g-poly (EA) was found to be more than that of raw and mercerized cellulosic polymers. On grafting, the graft copolymers were also found to exhibit more moisture, chemical, and thermal resistance.

Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 2009

The aim of the present research article was to study the perspectives of using natural fibers in ... more The aim of the present research article was to study the perspectives of using natural fibers in polymer composites. Keeping in view the enormous advantages of natural fibers, in the present communication a study on the synthesis of pine needles reinforced polymer composites using phenol-formaldehyde (PF) as a novel polymer matrix through compression molding technique has been reported. Effect of fiber loading on mechanical properties such as tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and wear resistances has also been determined. Reinforcing of the PF resin with pine needles was done in particle form (200 mm). The present study reveals that mechanical properties such as: tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and wear resistance of the PF resin increases up to 30% fiber loading and then decreases for higher fiber loading when fibers are incorporated into the polymer matrix.

International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2010

In the present communication, synthesis and characterization of short Saccaharum cilliare fiber r... more In the present communication, synthesis and characterization of short Saccaharum cilliare fiber reinforced resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF) polymer matrix-based composites through compression molding technique are reported. Experimental results reveal that when ...

International Journal of Polymeric Materials, 2008

Bulletin of Materials Science, 2008

During the last few years, natural fibres have received much more attention than ever before from... more During the last few years, natural fibres have received much more attention than ever before from the research community all over the world. These natural fibres offer a number of advantages over traditional synthetic fibres. In the present communication, a study on the synthesis and mechanical properties of new series of green composites involving Hibiscus sabdariffa fibre as a reinforcing material in urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin based polymer matrix has been reported. Static mechanical properties of randomly oriented intimately mixed Hibiscus sabdariffa fibre reinforced polymer composites such as tensile, compressive and wear properties were investigated as a function of fibre loading. Initially urea-formaldehyde resin prepared was subjected to evaluation of its optimum mechanical properties. Then reinforcing of the resin with Hibiscus sabdariffa fibre was accomplished in three different forms: particle size, short fibre and long fibre by employing optimized resin. Present work reveals that mechanical properties such as tensile strength, compressive strength and wear resistance etc of the urea-formaldehyde resin increases to considerable extent when reinforced with the fibre. Thermal (TGA/DTA/DTG) and morphological studies (SEM) of the resin and biocomposites have also been carried out.

International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2012

The present work deals with the graft copolymerization of ethyl acrylate (EA) onto lignocellulosi... more The present work deals with the graft copolymerization of ethyl acrylate (EA) onto lignocellulosic natural fibers of the Himalayan region in air in the presence of potassium persulfate (KPS) as initiator. Raw fibers and the graft copolymers after the completion of copolymerization reaction were subjected to evaluation of different properties. Correlation of physicochemical properties with the graft copolymerization reaction mechanism is discussed. Characterization of the graft copolymers was carried out with scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform-infrared spectrophotometry, and thermogravimetric analysis.

Polymer Composites, 2009

Natural fibers, such as Flax, Sisal, Hibiscus Sabdariffa, and Grewia optiva (GO) possess good rei... more Natural fibers, such as Flax, Sisal, Hibiscus Sabdariffa, and Grewia optiva (GO) possess good reinforcing capability when properly compounded with polymers. These fibers are relatively inexpensive, easily available from renewable resources, and possess favorable values of specific strength and specific modulus. The mechanical performance of natural fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) is often limited owing to a weak fiber- matrix interface. In contrast, urea–formaldehyde (UF) resins are well known to have a strong adhesion to most cellulose-containing materials. This article deals with the synthesis of short G. optiva fiber-reinforced UF polymer matrix-based composites. G. optiva fiber-reinforced UF composites processed by compression molding have been studied by evaluating their mechanical, physical, and chemical properties. This work reveals that mechanical properties such as: tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and wear resistance of the UF matrix increase up to 30% fiber loading and then decreases for higher loading when fibers are incorporated into the polymer matrix. Morphological and thermal studies of the matrix, fiber, and short FRP composites have also been carried out. The swelling, moisture absorbance, chemical resistance, and water uptake behavior of these composites have also been carried out at different intervals. The results obtained lay emphasis on the utilization of these fibers, as potential reinforcing materials in bio-based polymer composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers

Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 2010

The aim of the present research article was to study the perspectives of using natural fibers in ... more The aim of the present research article was to study the perspectives of using natural fibers in polymer composites. Keeping in view the enormous advantages of natural fibers, in the present communication a study on the synthesis of pine needles reinforced polymer composites using phenol-formaldehyde (PF) as a novel polymer matrix through compression molding technique has been reported. Effect of fiber loading on mechanical properties such as tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and wear resistances has also been determined. Reinforcing of the PF resin with pine needles was done in particle form (200 mm). The present study reveals that mechanical properties such as: tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and wear resistance of the PF resin increases up to 30% fiber loading and then decreases for higher fiber loading when fibers are incorporated into the polymer matrix.

International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2012

The increasing demand for green, environmentally friendly materials has resulted in new natural f... more The increasing demand for green, environmentally friendly materials has resulted in new natural fiber–based materials as replacements for nondegradable materials derived from petroleum resources that are currently being used for a number of applications. Hence, this study deals with long fiber–reinforced green polymer composites fabricated using the compression molding technique. Initially, green composites were produced with long fibers using 10, 20, 30, and 40 wt.% fiber loading. A fiber content of 30 wt.% was found to exhibit optimum mechanical properties. Physicochemical properties of the composites were also tested to check their application potential in everyday life.

International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2010

Lignocellulosic natural fibers are promising materials for use as reinforcement in composites for... more Lignocellulosic natural fibers are promising materials for use as reinforcement in composites for a wide variety of polymers. Silane treatment through aminopropyl triethoxy silane as a simple and convenient method for surface modification of Saccaharum cilliare fibers is introduced in this article. The surfaces of lignocellulosic fibers have been treated with silane coupling agent for evaluating the physicochemical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform-infrared spectrophotometry (FT-IR), thermogravimetric/differential thermal/derivative thermogravimetry (TGA/DTA/DTG), absorption in different solvents, moisture absorbance, water uptake, and chemical resistance measurements were used as characterization techniques for evaluating the nature of these surface-modified lignocellulosic natural fibers. Additionally, polymer composites were prepared using Saccaharum cilliare fibers as reinforcement and phenol-formaldehyde as novel polymer matrix resin. Effect of fiber dimension on mechanical properties of polymer matrix resin such as tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and wear resistance properties was evaluated. Polymer composites prepared were also subjected to evaluation of morphological and physicochemical properties.

Bulletin of Materials Science, 2010

Lack of resources and increasing environmental pollution has evoked great interest in the researc... more Lack of resources and increasing environmental pollution has evoked great interest in the research of materials that are friendly to our health and environment. Polymer composites fabricated from natural fibres is currently the most promising area in polymer science. Keeping in view the various advantages of natural fibres, in current series of green composites a study on natural fibre reinforced polymer composites has been made. This paper presents the results of an experimental series designed to assess the possibility of Pine needles as reinforcing material in polymer composites. First of all, urea-formaldehyde resin was synthesized and optimized by evaluating its mechanical properties. Optimized resin was reinforced with employing Pine needles of different dimensions such as particle reinforcement, short fibre reinforcement and long fibre reinforcement. Experimental results obtained shows that mechanical properties such as tensile strength, compressive strength and wear resistance of UF resin increases to a considerable extent when reinforced with Pine needles. Further it has been observed that particle reinforcement is more effective as compared to short fibre and long fibre reinforcement. These results suggest that Pine needles can be potential candidates for use in natural fibre reinforced polymer composites. Thermal and morphological studies of these composites have also been carried out.

Polymer-plastics Technology and Engineering, 2010

In present communication, synthesis and characterization of Grewia Optiva fiber reinforced Phenol... more In present communication, synthesis and characterization of Grewia Optiva fiber reinforced Phenol-Formaldehyde (PF) matrix-based polymer composites through compression molded technique have been reported. The work carried out reveals that mechanical properties of the PF resin increases to extensive extent when reinforced with Grewia Optiva fibers. Thermal (TGA/DTA/DTG) and morphological studies (SEM) of polymer composites thus synthesized have also been carried out to access the applications of polymer composite materials in daily life.

Fabrication of polymer composites reinforced with lignocellulosic materials has increased conside... more Fabrication of polymer composites reinforced with lignocellulosic materials has increased considerably during the last few years. This work reports the synthesis of natural fiber reinforced phenolformaldehyde (PF) resin matrix based polymer composite using a compression molding technique. Initially the PF resin was prepared by varying the concentration of formaldehyde with a fixed weight of phenol. Polymeric resin of different P: F ratios were subjected for optimization of their mechanical properties. The sample ratio of 1:1.5 (P: F) was found to possess maximum mechanical strength. Then reinforcing of this optimized resin was done by taking different ratios of Hibiscus Sabdariffa (HS) fiber in short form (3mm) to prepare green polymer composites. Polymer composite materials thus prepared were subjected to evaluation of their mechanical properties such as tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and wear resistance, etc. Optimum mechanical properties were obtained with a fibre loading of 30%.Thermal (TGA/DTA/DTG) and morphological studies (SEM) of the polymeric resin, and composites thus synthesized have also been studied. The results obtained suggest that these fibers can be a superior candidate for the reinforcement of high performance polymer composites.

Bulletin of Materials Science, 2009

In the recent times, there has been an ever-increasing interest in green composite materials for ... more In the recent times, there has been an ever-increasing interest in green composite materials for its applications in the field of industries, aerospace, sports, household etc and in many other fields. In this paper, fabrication of Saccharum cilliare fibre reinforced green polymer composites using resorcinol formaldehyde (RF) as a novel matrix has been reported. A systematic approach for processing of polymer is presented. Effect of fibre loading on mechanical properties like flexural, tensile, compressive and wear resistances has also been determined. Reinforcing of the RF resin with Saccharum cilliare (SC) fibre was done in the form of particle size (200 micron). Present work reveals that mechanical properties of the RF resin have been found to increase up to 30% fibre loading and then decreases. Morphological and thermal studies of the resin, fibre and particle reinforced (P-Rnf) green composites have also been studied.

Bulletin of Materials Science, 2008

In the present work, graft co-polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) onto Saccharum cilliare fibre ... more In the present work, graft co-polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) onto Saccharum cilliare fibre has been carried out in the presence of potassium persulphate and ferrous ammonium sulphate (FAS-KPS) as redox initiator. The reactions were carried out under pressure in an autoclave. Various reaction parameters such as pressure, time, pH, concentrations of initiator and monomer were optimized to get maximum graft yield (35·59%). Grafted and ungrafted Saccharum cilliare fibres were then subjected to evaluation of some of their properties like swelling behaviour in different solvents, moisture absorbance under different humidity levels, water uptake and resistance towards chemicals such as hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. The characterization of the graft copolymers were carried out by FTIR spectrophotometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies.

Polymer-plastics Technology and Engineering, 2009

Durian skin waste generated by durian fruit or Durio zibethinus Murray show potential as a new re... more Durian skin waste generated by durian fruit or Durio zibethinus Murray show potential as a new reinforcement based-natural fibre. Similar to other lignocellulosic fibre, durian skin fibre (DSF) is capable in reinforcing polylactic acid (PLA) through extrusion and injection moulding processes for various applications. In current study, the effects of fibre content and pre-treatment using 4% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) on DSF were investigated on impact and thermal properties of PLA biocomposites. Treated DSF significantly enhanced the properties of PLA biocomposites as compared to untreated biocomposite. PLA can be replaced by 30 wt% DSF for similar impact performance. Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) demonstrated that pre-treated DSF improved the thermal stability of PLA biocomposite. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed the presence of pre-treated DSF minimally enhanced the glass transition temperature (T g ), crystallization temperature (T c ) and melting temperature (T m ) relative to untreated DSF which suggests on better reinforcement with NaOH pre-treatment.

International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2009

Abstract In recent years, interest has grown in natural fibers as promising materials for a numbe... more Abstract In recent years, interest has grown in natural fibers as promising materials for a number of applications, particularly in polymer composite materials because they offer a number of advantages such as nontoxicity, eco-friendliness, combustibility, light weight, ...

Polymer-plastics Technology and Engineering, 2010

In the present communication a study on the preparation and characterizations of Pine Needles (PN... more In the present communication a study on the preparation and characterizations of Pine Needles (PN) reinforced polymers using Phenol-Formaldehyde (PF) as a novel polymer matrix has been reported. Pine Needles (PN) of different dimensions were used to prepare biocomposites. The influence of different fiber dimension on the mechanical properties of the composites was determined. Analysis of morphological (SEM) and thermal (TGA/DTA) properties of Pine Needles, PF resin and polymer composites have also been carried out. These polymer composites were further subjected to various standardized characterization tests such as swelling under different solvents, moisture absorption and chemical resistance analysis.

International Journal of Polymeric Materials, 2008

In this article, the synthesis of natural fiber-reinforced phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin matrix-... more In this article, the synthesis of natural fiber-reinforced phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resin matrix-based polymer composites has been reported. Initially the phenol-formaldehyde resin was prepared by varying the concentration of formaldehyde with a fixed weight of phenol. Polymeric resins of different P:F ratios were subjected for optimization of their mechanical properties. The sample ratio of 1:1.5 (P:F) was found to possess maximum

International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2011

Cellulose biofiber-based graft copolymers (cellulose-g-PMMA) were rapidly synthesized under the i... more Cellulose biofiber-based graft copolymers (cellulose-g-PMMA) were rapidly synthesized under the influence of microwave radiation (MWR) through free radical–induced graft copolymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) onto modified cellulosic biofibers in aqueous medium. The effect of different polymerization parameters such as reaction time, initiator molar ratio, monomer concentration, amount of solvent, and microwave power on grafting percentage was studied to get the maximum percentage of grafting (64.87%). XRD, FT-IR, SEM, and TGA were used to characterize the graft copolymers. The graft copolymers have been found to be more moisture resistant and also exhibited better chemical and thermal resistance.

International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2012

In the present work, graft copolymerization of ethyl acrylate (EA) onto mercerized natural cellul... more In the present work, graft copolymerization of ethyl acrylate (EA) onto mercerized natural cellulosic polymers in air in the presence of potassium persulfate (KPS) as initiator to impart low water absorbency is reported. Synthesized cellulose graft copolymers were characterized with FT-IR spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermal analysis TGA/DTA techniques. Thermal stability of natural polymer-g-poly (EA) was found to be more than that of raw and mercerized cellulosic polymers. On grafting, the graft copolymers were also found to exhibit more moisture, chemical, and thermal resistance.

Journal of Reinforced Plastics and Composites, 2009

The aim of the present research article was to study the perspectives of using natural fibers in ... more The aim of the present research article was to study the perspectives of using natural fibers in polymer composites. Keeping in view the enormous advantages of natural fibers, in the present communication a study on the synthesis of pine needles reinforced polymer composites using phenol-formaldehyde (PF) as a novel polymer matrix through compression molding technique has been reported. Effect of fiber loading on mechanical properties such as tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and wear resistances has also been determined. Reinforcing of the PF resin with pine needles was done in particle form (200 mm). The present study reveals that mechanical properties such as: tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and wear resistance of the PF resin increases up to 30% fiber loading and then decreases for higher fiber loading when fibers are incorporated into the polymer matrix.

International Journal of Polymer Analysis and Characterization, 2010

In the present communication, synthesis and characterization of short Saccaharum cilliare fiber r... more In the present communication, synthesis and characterization of short Saccaharum cilliare fiber reinforced resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF) polymer matrix-based composites through compression molding technique are reported. Experimental results reveal that when ...

International Journal of Polymeric Materials, 2008

Bulletin of Materials Science, 2008

During the last few years, natural fibres have received much more attention than ever before from... more During the last few years, natural fibres have received much more attention than ever before from the research community all over the world. These natural fibres offer a number of advantages over traditional synthetic fibres. In the present communication, a study on the synthesis and mechanical properties of new series of green composites involving Hibiscus sabdariffa fibre as a reinforcing material in urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin based polymer matrix has been reported. Static mechanical properties of randomly oriented intimately mixed Hibiscus sabdariffa fibre reinforced polymer composites such as tensile, compressive and wear properties were investigated as a function of fibre loading. Initially urea-formaldehyde resin prepared was subjected to evaluation of its optimum mechanical properties. Then reinforcing of the resin with Hibiscus sabdariffa fibre was accomplished in three different forms: particle size, short fibre and long fibre by employing optimized resin. Present work reveals that mechanical properties such as tensile strength, compressive strength and wear resistance etc of the urea-formaldehyde resin increases to considerable extent when reinforced with the fibre. Thermal (TGA/DTA/DTG) and morphological studies (SEM) of the resin and biocomposites have also been carried out.