Starch-based green composites

Load direction Stearic acid (%) Young s modulus (MPa) Fracture stress (MPa) Fracture strain (%) 

Tensile properties such as fracture stress and strain and Young s modulus of unidirectional ramie fiber/SPI and ramie fiber/MSPI composites tested in the longitudinal and transverse directions are presented in Table 12.6. As the data indicate, composites with stearic acid-modified resin showed significantly higher Young s modulus and fracture stress values as compared to the composites without stearic acid. These trends were similar to the results obtained for pure resins. In the case of composites, the fracture stress in the transverse direction also increased. Tensile properties of the unidirectional composites in the transverse direction are known to be a function of the resin and/or the interface properties. It is clear that interfacial property increased because tensile properties improve after stearic acid modification as indicated from data presented in Table 12.6. 

There are several steps that need to be followed in developing green composites using starch-based resins. First, fabrication methods and variables such as pressure and temperature need to be optimized because the material is quite new and unknown. The second step is to improve the composite properties through treatment and new techniques. Once the problems are clearly defined, it is easier to set up 

In the following sections, various composite studies carried out using starch-based resins are discussed. First, the effect of alkali treatment of natural fibers on the mechanical properties of fibers and green composites is explained. Next, the potentials and problems of cellulose nanofiber composites are discussed. Finally, fiber orientation angle and mechanical properties are discussed and a way to predict the Young s modulus has been suggested. 

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Kaith BS, Jindal R, Jana AK et al (2010) Development of com starch based green composites reinforced with Saccharum spontaneum L fiber and graft copolymers - evaluation of thermal, physio-chemical and mechanical properties. Biores Technol 101 6843-6851 Babb D, Phillips J, Keillor C (2006) soy-based polyol for flexible slabstock foam. Alliance for the Polyurethanes Industry, Salt Lake City... 

Soy Protein- and Starch-Based Green Composites/Nanocomposites Preparation, Properties, and Applications... 

Kaith, B.S., Jindal, R., Jana, A.K., and Maiti, M. (2010) Development of corn starch based green composites reinforced with saccharum spontaneum L fiber and graft copolymers-evaluation of thermal, physico-chemical and mechanical properties. Bioresour. Technol,... 

This chapter focuses on soy protein and starch-based green composites and discusses the effects of biodegradable resin modifications and fiber treatment on mechanical and chemical properties. In addition, biodegradation of green composites has been briefly described. 

EflectofNaOHTreatmentofRamieYarnsontheTensile Propertiesof Starch-Based Green Composites... 

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