Publication:
Effect of nanofibril cellulose empty fruit bunch-reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites on tensile and dynamic mechanical properties for flexible substrates

Date
2024
Authors
Azzra N.A.
Atiqah A.
Fadhlina H.
Jalar A.
Bakar M.A.
Ismail A.G.
Supian A.B.M.
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John Wiley and Sons Inc
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Abstract
Researchers and scientists have focused on the development and future opportunities of flexible sensors in food, environment and defense fields. In this study, we propose a flexible substrate material-based nanofibril cellulose empty fruit bunch (NEFB)-reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) blend nanocomposite for flexible substrate materials. Untreated and treated nanofibril cellulose samples of empty fruit bunch (NEFB, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 wt. %) were treated with 6 wt.% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and subjected to internal Brabender mixer followed by a hot-pressing machine. The density and tensile and dynamic mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated for the treated and untreated samples. Tensile properties were characterized using a Universal Testing Machine, and the fracture mechanism after post-tensile testing was determined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Increasing the content of untreated NEFB/TPU improved the tensile strength compared with 6% treated NEFB/TPU blend nanocomposites. Incorporating the nanofibril cellulose of empty fruit bunch at 2% into the TPU blend nanocomposites significantly increased E?, E" and Tg compared with other formulations. Highlights: Nanocellulose derived from plants is considered a promising material for flexible substrates in electronics due to its robust mechanical properties and eco-friendliness. Malaysia's abundant empty fruit bunch (EFB) resources make it a possible source of nanocellulose, which improves the properties of polymers. The effect of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment on the compatibility of EFB-derived nanocellulose with polymer matrices was investigated. The addition of nanocellulose, particularly at a concentration of 1%, significantly increases the tensile strength of thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites, whereas 6% NaOH treatment has no effect. Dynamic mechanical analysis reveals high storage modulus at 2% nanofibril cellulose empty fruit bunch (NEFB) and energy dissipation at 4% NEFB as well as enhanced interfacial bonding at 1% NEFB. ? 2024 Society of Plastics Engineers.
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Keywords
Dynamics , Fruits , Hot Pressing , Polyurethanes , Scanning Electron Microscopy , Sodium Hydroxide , Density (specific gravity) , Ductile fracture , Dynamic mechanical analysis , Dynamics , Energy dissipation , Flexible electronics , Fracture testing , Fruits , Hot pressing , Materials testing apparatus , Nanocellulose , Nanocomposites , Nanofibers , Polyurethanes , Reinforced plastics , Scanning electron microscopy , Sodium hydroxide , Substrates , Tensile strength , Biomedical devices , Blend nanocomposites , Empty fruit bunches , Flexible substrate , Nano-cellulose , Nano-fibrils , Nanofibril cellulose empty fruit bunch , Plastic encapsulation , Thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites , Thermoplastic polyurethanes , Tensile testing
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