| 초록 |
Key factors to develop novel materials and processes for next generation will be eco-friendliness, sustainability, green materials, and cost-effectiveness. Natural fiber composites or biocomposites are emerging as a viable alternative to glass fiber composites, especially in automotive, building, and commodity applications. Henequen (Agave fourcroydes) is one of plant-based natural fibers like sisal, flax, jute, and hemp. It is long, hard, and strong fiber obtained from the 2∼4 foot long leaves of agave plants, which is native to Yucatan, Mexico. Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) is biodegradable, thermoplastic, and aliphatic polyester, which is commercially available with a reasonable cost. It is known that it has comparable mechanical properties with PE and PP. Electron beam irradiation (EBI) techniques have been increasingly utilized for surface-modification and property enhancement of polymer materials like fibers, films, and composites for many years. EBI may effectively remove impurities and generate functional groups on natural fiber surfaces. In this study, the thermal properties of henequen/PBS biocomposites fabricated with henequen fibers irradiated at different electron beam intensities have been preliminarily studied by means of DMA, TMA, and TGA. Also, the interfacial shear strength and the fracture surface of the composites are investigated through a single-fiber microbonding test with a PBS microdroplet formed on a single henequen fiber and scanning electron microscopic observations. |
