The effect of humidity and temperature on PLA-cellulose fibre composite properties
Rauta, Sini-Tuuli (2016)
Tampereen ammattikorkeakoulu
2016
All rights reserved
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2018090514883
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2018090514883
Tiivistelmä
This Bachelor's thesis was conducted at VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland during summer 2016. Bachelor's thesis was made in Biocomposites and processing team, which research focus is in different sorts of natural material-based polymeric materials and their processability. The aim of this thesis was to study PLA composite samples placed in a climatic chamber where the humidity and temperature was constant during the full aging time and after that tested by various methods. Samples before exposure mean the original samples. The original sample were compared to aging sample results.
From the test results we can note that the amount of cellulose and additives has a lot importance of PLA composites. Based on mechanical tests such as impact test and tensile test and heat deflection temperature we can say that the additive epoxidized-linseed oil improved durability, strength and lengthened and slowed down aging. Sorbitol derivative as additive made the material more weak, which can be seen decreased material properties.
DSC analysis purpose was to determine glass transition temperature of original and aging samples and to find their differences. Determination of water absorption was one of the tests methods. In addition to the PLA composites there were three wood samples as references in the water absorption test. From the measurement result we can say that even though the PLA composites were absorbing much less water than wooden reference samples the materials may not be suitable for construction in constant contact with water such as quays. PLA composite with epoxy functional additive is suitable for many purposes like tables and chairs in indoors as a substitute for wood material. It is hard and long lasting.
From the test results we can note that the amount of cellulose and additives has a lot importance of PLA composites. Based on mechanical tests such as impact test and tensile test and heat deflection temperature we can say that the additive epoxidized-linseed oil improved durability, strength and lengthened and slowed down aging. Sorbitol derivative as additive made the material more weak, which can be seen decreased material properties.
DSC analysis purpose was to determine glass transition temperature of original and aging samples and to find their differences. Determination of water absorption was one of the tests methods. In addition to the PLA composites there were three wood samples as references in the water absorption test. From the measurement result we can say that even though the PLA composites were absorbing much less water than wooden reference samples the materials may not be suitable for construction in constant contact with water such as quays. PLA composite with epoxy functional additive is suitable for many purposes like tables and chairs in indoors as a substitute for wood material. It is hard and long lasting.