Toughened wheat gluten and treated coconut fiber composite

• Published in: Composites. Part A, Applied science and manufacturing Vol. 58; pp. 90 - 97
• Main Authors: Diao, Cheng, Dowding, Timothy, Hemsri, Sudsiri, Parnas, Richard S.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: A. Polymer matrix composite; Applied sciences; B. Interface/interphase; C. Mechanical properties; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; B. Interface/interphase; A. Polymer matrix composite; C. Mechanical properties; Mercerization; Strengthening; Plant fiber; Mechanical properties; Coconut fiber; Organic silane; Experimental study; Property processing relationship; Composite material; Surface treatment; Bending strength; Natural fiber; Plant protein; Cereal; Wheat; Gluten; Fracture mode
• ISSN: 1359-835X; 1878-5840
• DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesa.2013.12.005

The aim of the present work is to fabricate a biodegradable composite with improved mechanical properties and high work to failure by combining toughened wheat gluten matrix with 15 mass% surface treated, highly ductile coconut fiber. Matrix cracking at a flexural stress of 46MPa in wheat gluten was delayed until nearly 71MPa in the composite, with ultimate stress greater than 105MPa. Flexural stiffness was improved from roughly 4GPa in the wheat gluten to 5.4GPa in the composite. The work to failure was improved from 0.26MJ/m3 in wheat gluten to 1.45MJ/m3 with the toughened wheat gluten, and finally to 4.94MJ/m3 for the composite. The toughening additive for the wheat gluten was shown to “erase” aging effects in the wheat gluten but also appeared to change the interfacial characteristics.