Effect of Electron Beam Irradiation on the Interfacial and Thermal Properties of Henequen/Phenolic Biocomposites

Abstract

Natural fiber/phenolic biocomposites with chopped henequen fibers treated at various levels of electron beam irradiation (EBI) were made by means of a matched-die compression molding method. The interfacial property was explored in terms of interfacial shear strength measured by a single fiber microbonding test. The thermal properties were studied in terms of storage modulus, tan , thermal expansion and thermal stability measured by dynamic mechanical analysis, thermomechanical analysis and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The result showed that the interfacial and thermal properties depend on the treatment level of EBI done to the henequen fiber surfaces. The present result also demonstrates that 10 kGy EBI is most preferable to physically modify the henequen fiber surfaces and then to improve the interfacial property of the biocomposite, supporting earlier results studied with henequen/poly (butylene succinate) and henequen/ unsaturated polyester biocomposites.