The Effect of Fiber Bleaching Treatment on the Properties of Poly(lactic acid)/Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Fiber Composites |
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| Authors: | Marwah Rayung Nor Azowa Ibrahim Norhazlin Zainuddin Wan Zuhainis Saad Nur Inani Abdul Razak Buong Woei Chieng |
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| Affiliation: | 1.Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; E-Mails: (N.Z.); (N.I.A.R.); (B.W.C.);2.Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; E-Mail: |
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| Abstract: | In this work, biodegradable composites from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) fiber were prepared by melt blending method. Prior to mixing, the fiber was modified through bleaching treatment using hydrogen peroxide. Bleached fiber composite showed an improvement in mechanical properties as compared to untreated fiber composite due to the enhanced fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion. Interestingly, fiber bleaching treatment also improved the physical appearance of the composite. The study was extended by blending the composites with commercially available masterbatch colorant. |
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| Keywords: | composite PLA OPEFB bleaching treatment hydrogen peroxide fiber/matrix interfacial adhesion colorant |
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