Reinforcement of Epoxy Thermoset Composite Using Epoxidized Kraft Lignin from Sugarcane Bagasse
Author : Alamag, Rayman Tolentino
Major Adviser : Borines, Myra G.
Major Co-Adviser : Manalo, Ronniel D.
Committee Members : Alcantara, Jerico Z.; Movillon, Jovita L.
Year : 2019
Month : June
Type : Thesis
Degree: BS
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Abstract
In this research, epoxidized Kraft lignin was used as a reinforcing material to enhance the flexural strength and hydrophobicity of epoxy thermoset composites. Sugarcane bagasse was subjected to Kraft pulping for the recovery of lignin and obtained a yield of 9.82%. Epoxidation of Kraft lignin with Poly(ethylene glycol) diglycidyl ether was done to enhance the compatibility with polymer. Functionalization of lignin was verified using FT-IR analysis. Different loadings of unmodified and epoxidized Kraft lignin (1%, 3% and 5% v/v) were used as filler at varying curing time (45 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes). The effects of filler modification, filler loading and curing time on flexural strength (MPa) and %water absorption of composites were investigated. Thermoset that were reinforced with epoxidized Kraft lignin generally exhibited high flexural strength and hydrophobicity relative to that of unmodified Kraft lignin especially at 1% filler loading and at 90 minutes of curing. Factors were all found significant to the responses at 0.05 significance level except the modification of filler to the hydrophobicity of the thermoset. Reinforced thermosets showed relatively higher flexural strength but have lower hydrophobicity compared with neat epoxy, specifically at 1% filler loading and 90 minutes curing time. These results showed that epoxidized lignin from bagasse is a promising filler for epoxy thermosets.
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