Effects of Alkaline Treatments on Thermo-Mechanical and Morphological Properties of Melonhusk-Cellulose and Melonhusk-Cellulose-Graft-Polystyrene Filled Polystyrene Composites

A. Salisu, M. M. Bukhari, M. K. Yakubu, M. K. Yakubu, M. Dabo, M. Dabo

Abstract


The research investigated effects of alkaline treatment of melonhusk-cellulose on thermo-mechanical and morphological properties of melonhusk-cellulose and melonhusk-cellulose-graft-polystyrene filled polystyrene composites. The objectives of the research were to modify waste melonhusk and waste polystyrene to useful materials and to reduce the negative impacts on environment. Melonhusk materials were reduced to particle size of 75 µm and alkaline treated with Sodiumhydroxide based on weight to volume fraction of 1-5%. Melonhusk particulates were investigated using Fourier Transforms Infra-red Spectroscopy (FTIR) before compounding. Grafting of melonhusk cellulose was done using cerium ammonium nitrate initiator at temperature of 60 o C with styrene monomer and percentage grafting (PG) and grafting efficiency (GE) were calculated. Composites were prepared based on polystyrene to filler ratio of 25/75 in metal mould dimension of 150mm by150mm by 50mm. The tensile tests were conducted in accordance with ASTM D3039 on universal testing machine. Composites samples were analysed using dynamic thermal mechanical analyser (NETZSCH, DTMA 242) according to ASTM D4065 standard. The morphology of the composites were investigated using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) (Model Phenom Pro X). The result of the FTIR showed removal of hemicellulose, lignin and pectin on melonhusk. The percentage grafting and grafting efficiency was found to be 18.3-25.24 % and 1.12-3.11 % respectively. The tensile strength and storage Modulus of composite prepared with 3 % treated fillers and grafted was higher and was found to be 54.3 MPa and 1919.1 MPa respectively. The SEM result indicated strong filler matrix interaction on composites prepared with 3 % treated fillers.


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