The Potential of Donax Grandis Hypodermal Fiber as a reinforcement in Starch-based Composite

By : Sofiyah Mohd Razali , Mahani Yusoff , Sitti Fatimah Mhd Ramle , Irshad Ul Haq Bhat , Abd Hamid Mar Iman , Mohd Hasmizam Razali

Page No: 677-684

Abstract
This study investigates the effect of adding Donax grandis hypodermal fiber (DGHF) as a reinforcement in starch-based composite. The composite was prepared using corn starch, DGHF and titanium dioxide (TiO2 ) by compression moulding. The chemical composition, phase identification, functional groups and morphology of DGHF were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. The chemical composition indicated that DGHF is composed of lignin, a-cellulose and extractives. The XRD pattern of DGHF was amorphous and the diffraction peak shifted to the left with the addition of starch and TiO2 . FTIR spectra and SEM confirmed there hemicellulose exist good interaction between fiber and the matrix. Adding DGHF in the starch-based composite has improved the properties of the latter and added value to DGHF as a potential reinforcement in polymer-based composite.

Authors :
Sofiyah Mohd Razali, Mahani Yusoff, Sitti Fatimah Mhd Ramle, Irshad Ul Haq Bhat and Abd Hamid Mar Iman : Faculty of Earth Science, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Locked Bag 100, 17600 Jeli, Kelantan, Malaysia
Mohd Hasmizam Razali : School of Fundamental Sciences, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, 21030 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia