Kinetics of Moisture Absorption for Alkali Extracted Steam-Exploded Fiber Filled High-Density Polyethylene Composites
- School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Pulau Pinang (Malaysia)
- School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 Minden, Pulau Pinang (Malaysia)
Acacia mangium wood fiber derived from steam-explosion and fiber fractionation treatment was used as fillers for high-density polyethylene (HDPE). The alkali extracted steam-exploded fibers (AEF) obtained were acetylated to produce acetylated fibers (AAEF) having three different weight percent gain (WPG). Composites of AEF or AAEF and HDPE were prepared via 2-roll mill, compression molded and cut into dumbbell specimens. All samples were immersed in water at room temperature for 30 days. The process of absorption of water by all composites followed the kinetics and mechanisms described by the Fick's theory. Diffusion coefficient (D) values increased with filler loading but decreased with increasing WPG of the AAEF fiber. Further decrease was observed when maleated polyethylene (MAPE) was added to the composite system. This was due to improved fiber-matrix adhesion that restricts movement of water molecules from further penetrate inside the composite structures.
- OSTI ID:
- 21371685
- Journal Information:
- AIP Conference Proceedings, Journal Name: AIP Conference Proceedings Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 1217; ISSN APCPCS; ISSN 0094-243X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
ABSORPTION
ADHESION
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
COMPRESSION
DENSITY
DIFFUSION
FIBERS
FILLERS
FRACTIONATION
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
MATERIALS
MATRIX MATERIALS
MELTING
MOISTURE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POLYETHYLENES
POLYMERS
POLYOLEFINS
REINFORCED MATERIALS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SORPTION
WATER
WOOD