SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PVA BIOCOMPOSITES

Abstract

Recently extensive studies have been carried out on natural fibres reinforced thermoplastics due to their low cost , high strength properties, simple fabrication methods, biodegradable nature and diverse application touching all commercial sectors. The present work reveals the effect of various natural fibres in a Bio-composite material. In this research work the effect of incorporation of small amounts (10%) of wood saw dust, wheat bran, rice husk and bagasse in thermoplastic were used to prepare the samples and mechanical characteristics of the prepared Bio-composite samples were analysed .The work shows the possibility of using biocomposite fibres , regarded as waste material, in producing the highest mechanical properties. The tensile strength of composite was measured with a universal testing machine in accordance with the ASTM standards. The results demonstrated that the saw dust and bagasse incorporated fibres shows significant improvement in mechanical properties, especially their tensile strength.