Cellulose triacetate fiber-reinforced polystyrene composite

Abstract

The increase in demand for natural fibers in development of the composites has grown rapidly due to the cost-effectiveness, low density, biodegradability, and renewability. The lack of appropriate interfacial bonding between the cellulose fibers and the thermoplastic matrix is one of the disadvantages faced during their application. Also, the properties of composite made of thermoplastic polystyrene (PS) and cellulose acetate fibers are not compatible due to the poor wettability and interfacial adhesion. In the study presented, PS reinforced with cellulose triacetate is being prepared by melt blending in a twin-screw extruder with the induction of fusabond (FB). The influence of the cellulose acetate and FB content on PS composite is being investigated using thermogravimetric analysis, tensile test, dynamic mechanical analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The addition of FB enhances interfacial adhesion demonstrated by the improvement in storage modulus, reduction in damping peak value, and the increase in thermal stability of the composite. The inclusion of FB not only increases the % elongation but also improves the impact strength of the cellulose triacetate-reinforced PS composite under dynamic loading. Moreover, the interaction between PS with cellulose triacetate fiber is indicated by the results of X-ray photospectroscopy and fracture surface morphology. The results show that the addition of FB is suitable for use in cellulose fiber-reinforced PS composite for packaging, automotive, and biomedical applications.