Optimization of Denaturant Concentration, Crosslinker Concentration, and Pressing Time for Bioadhesive Production From Chlorella vulgaris Protein Extract
Author : Hebron, Joshua Emmanuel Narvaez
Major Adviser : Sanchez, Denise Ester S.
Major Co-Adviser : Manalo, Ronniel D.
Committee Members : Guerrero, Gino Apollo M.; Migo, Veronica P.
Year : 2019
Month : June
Type : Thesis
Degree: BS
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Abstract
Corn is one of the major crops in the Philippines. Its production generates corn husks which are usually left unused and are often burned. In this regard, this study utilized cellulose microfibers from corn husks (12.18% yield) as reinforcement for epoxy resin thermoset. The composites were cured at varying fiber loadings (1% v/v, 3% v/v and 5% v/v) and curing times (0.5 hour, 1 hour, and 1.5 hours). The effects of these factors and their interaction on the flexural strength and water absorptivity were tested. Using two-way ANOVA, it was determined that the effect curing time (p-value = 0.033) and fiber loading (p-value = 0.002) were significant to the flexural strength of the composite, while the effect of their interaction (p-value = 0.084) was not. Meanwhile, the effects of the parameters and their interaction were all determined to be significant to the water absorptivity of the composite. The average diameter, average length and average aspect ratio were 14.56 μm, 911.65 μm and 64.02, respectively. The flexural strength of epoxy were increased at lower fiber loadings (1% and 3%) cured at shorter curing times (0.5 hr and 1 hr). Furthermore, significant decrease in the water absorptivity can be observed on composites cured with 3% v/v fiber loading for all curing times. This study proved that the use of cellulose microfibers from corn husk at an optimum fiber loading coupled with the best curing time may improve the properties of epoxy thermoset composites.
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