%0 Journal Article
%T Thermomechanical properties of the silanized-kenaf/polystyrene composites
%J eXPRESS Polymer Letters
%D 2009
%I Budapest University of Technology
%R 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2009.82
%X In order to improve the poor interfacial adhesion of the kenaf fiber and polystyrene (PS) in their composite material, the surface of the kenaf fiber was modified using a synthesized polymeric coupling agent to promote adhesion with PS matrix. The dynamic thermo-mechanical properties of the composite composed of modified kenaf fiber and PS were also investigated. The polymeric coupling agent treatment of the kenaf fiber increased the fiber-matrix interaction through a condensation reaction between alkoxysilane and hydroxyl groups of kenaf cellulose. DMA (Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis) results showed that the modified fiber composites have higher E¡ä  and lower tan¦Ä  than those with untreated fiber indicating that a greater interfacial interaction between the matrix resin and the fiber. It was also found that the storage modulus increases in proportion with the Si/C ratio on the fiber surface.
%K Polymer composites
%K kenaf fiber
%K polymeric coupling agent
%K dynamic mechanical properties
%K interfacial interaction
%U http://www.expresspolymlett.com/letolt.php?file=EPL-0001109&mi=cd